Johannesburg: President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the G20 Leaders' Summit will proceed as planned, despite the absence of representation from the United States government. The President was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the CEO-City Cleanup Partnership Programme held in Kliptown, Johannesburg.
According to South African Government News Agency, US President Donald Trump announced that neither he nor any US representative would attend the global intergovernmental forum in Johannesburg next week. President Ramaphosa remarked that boycott politics are ineffective, emphasizing that the summit will continue and that significant decisions affecting global populations will be made.
He highlighted the G20's representation of up to 80% of the global economy, noting the attendance of nearly 40 other Heads of State and Government, as well as leaders of global organizations. Despite the absence of US representatives, there will be a symbolic handover of the G20 Presidency gavel to the USA, the next G20 President.
President Ramaphosa affirmed the importance of the USA as a market for South Africa, expressing a desire to engage more with American businesses. He emphasized the need for continued trade and economic interactions, despite political differences, to advance South African interests.
Regarding the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping due to scheduling conflicts, President Ramaphosa mentioned that Prime Minister Li Qiang would attend the Summit. He acknowledged President Xi's commitment to South Africa, as evidenced by his multiple visits, and expressed understanding for his commitments in China.