South Africa's leader pushes for commitment to global unity at G20 summit

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has pushed for a commitment to multilateralism and international law at this year's G20 summit. It comes amid growing concerns about the Trump administration's "America First" policy. The US Secretary of State has snubbed the foreign minister's meeting, missing it altogether, further straining the two countries' already-tense relationship.

The foreign ministers of China, Russia, France and the UK were among the attendees at the G20 summit, but US representatives were missing in action. Source: SIPA USA / Russian Foreign Ministry/Russian Foreign Ministry/TASS/Sipa USA

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TRANSCRIPT

Some of the world's top diplomats have arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa - the first African nation to head the G-20.

The room of dignitaries was welcomed by the country's president - Cyril Ramaphosa - who called for their support in solving global crises.

"The G20 needs to play a leading role in the global agenda for people, climate and prosperity. As we strive towards a common purpose, I think it is important that we should remember that cooperation is our greatest strength. Let us seek to find common ground through constructive engagement. Through the G20 we should be able to set the coordinates of a new cause for human progress."

The foreign ministers of China, Russia, France and the UK were among the attendees, but US representatives were missing in action.

Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, said he had other commitments in Washington - while the US Secretary of State took a more candid approach.

Earlier this month, Secretary Marco Rubio revealed on social media platform, X that he wouldn't be attending.

He said,"my job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism."

South Africa holds the G-20 presidency until November, when it is expected to hand it over to the U-S.

The Americans' absence at the G-20 was not a good move, according to Professor Daniel D Bradlow from the University of Pretoria.

"Next year, the United States is supposed to take over the chair from South Africa. And that means that the U.S. should play some sort of supporting role in the management of the G20 this year. And beginning by not attending the first foreign ministers' meeting is not the best possible way of beginning that arrangement."

Relations between the two countries have become increasingly strained since President Donald Trump took office in January.

Trump quickly cut aid to the country over its genocide case against U-S ally Israel, at the International Court of Justice.

He also accused South Africa of what he called "unjust and immoral practices" against the white minority Afrikaner community.

These tensions, raising questions about how much South Africa can achieve during its presidency.