Marco Rubio to Skip G20 Meeting, Criticizes South Africa’s Policies

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will boycott the G20 meeting in Johannesburg, criticizing South Africa’s policies as anti-American. His absence reflects a diminishing U.S. interest in multilateral diplomacy, while South Africa aims to focus on solidarity and sustainability amidst growing international challenges. The event is expected to proceed with other global leaders, despite reduced American participation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will abstain from attending the G20 meetings in Johannesburg, South Africa, this week. His decision follows critical remarks about South Africa’s policies, which he deemed anti-American. While Rubio is on his way back to the U.S. after diplomatic engagements in the Middle East, the absence signifies a shift away from traditional U.S. diplomacy at international forums like the G20.

The upcoming two-day meeting is expected to see representation from major global powers, including top European diplomats and Russian officials. Meanwhile, the United States will be represented by a lower-level delegation due to Rubio’s absence. Analysts interpret this as a reflection of the Trump administration’s diminishing interest in multilateral organizations and a direct rebuff of South Africa’s priorities for the G20.

South Africa, as the first African nation to preside over the G20, has focused its agenda on themes of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, addressing issues relevant to poorer nations such as debt relief and climate change mitigation. Rubio, however, has publicly criticized these topics, emphasizing his role in promoting U.S. national interests over engaging in what he perceives as anti-American initiatives at the G20.

The deterioration of U.S.-South Africa relations is further underscored by recent policy actions such as President Trump’s executive order halting U.S. aid to South Africa due to its land reform laws. This tension is compounded by criticisms of South Africa’s foreign policy positions, especially regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, and its reported alignment with China.

Despite these challenges, officials like South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola have indicated that the U.S. will still be represented at the G20, albeit indirectly. Discussions among analysts suggest that there is still potential for collaboration under South Africa’s leadership, regardless of U.S. engagement levels. European Union representatives view the event as an opportunity to advance inclusivity within international systems amidst rising challenges to multilateralism.

In conclusion, Marco Rubio’s decision to skip the G20 meeting highlights significant strains in U.S.-South Africa relations and represents a broader trend of disengagement from multilateral diplomacy under the Trump administration. Despite his absence, South Africa seeks to advance its agenda on pressing global issues, yet the overall dynamics at the G20 may be influenced by the decreasing U.S. involvement in international cooperative efforts.

Original Source: apnews.com