Johannesburg: President Cyril Ramaphosa says the G20 process is moving ahead decisively with or without the United States after US President Donald Trump threatened to block the adoption of any joint declaration under South Africa's G20 Presidency.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa expressed confidence that negotiations were nearing completion, despite the United States' objections. Speaking to members of the media as he left the G20 Social Summit to address the B20 gathering, he stated, "We will have a declaration. The talks are going extremely well. I'm confident we are moving towards a declaration, and they are now just dotting the i's and crossing the t's."
The President emphasized that the G20 process would not be hindered by the absence of US support. "Without the United States, the whole process of the G20 is moving forward. We will not be bullied. We will not agree to be bullied," he remarked pointedly.
President Ramaphosa's statements came after President Trump threatened that South Africa "cannot expect a declaration" if the US does not back its content. This has sparked concerns that the G20 Leaders' Summit could conclude without consensus, as has occurred in previous years due to geopolitical tensions.
Nevertheless, the South African Presidency has consistently stated throughout the summit cycle that a declaration reflecting global inclusiveness and balanced development priorities would not succumb to unilateral pressure. President Ramaphosa expressed satisfaction with the progress made across multiple G20 tracks and praised the engagements he had throughout the day. "I've just spent time with people from civil society. I feel very satisfied and now I am going to meet another group," he said, referring to his upcoming address at the B20, the business arm of the G20.