Group of 20 (G20) foreign ministers began U.S.-hosted talks in Atlanta on Oct. 30, as Russia’s war in Ukraine and the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran added strain to discussions on economic security.
The U.S. State Department said the agenda would examine how geopolitical shocks could interrupt sea transport, restrict food and energy supplies, or strain supply networks. Washington said it wanted the forum to return to its “core economic mission,” putting the economic effects of international crises at the center of discussion. The department also said global security and economic prosperity are closely linked.
Russia’s participation and the Iran war were among the issues dividing G20 members, the Associated Press and Channel NewsAsia reported. U.S. tariffs and China’s activity in the South China Sea were also contentious points around the meeting, AP said. AP linked the conflicts and trade tensions with higher global fuel costs and uncertainty for trade. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the challenges as “a series of interconnected economic and geopolitical crises,” AP reported.
AP reported that Rubio dropped a planned group photo after diplomats from European countries objected to sharing the frame with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The report cited two U.S. officials who were not identified. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski called the cancellation the right decision, AP reported. AP also said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul argued Russia should not be regarded as an ordinary partner.
The two-day meeting was scheduled to continue through Oct. 31. It is intended to prepare for the G20 leaders’ summit, which the State Department scheduled for Dec. 14-15 at Trump National Doral in Miami. President Donald Trump is due to host the gathering, the department said. EconoTimes previously previewed the Atlanta meeting.
