At the G20 meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the need for international cooperation amid geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict. He called for adherence to multilateralism and international law as foundational elements for resolving global issues, emphasizing the importance of finding common ground among member nations.
At the recent G20 meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of international cooperation amid rising tensions from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting marked the first significant gathering of G20 foreign ministers this year, highlighting divisions within the group on pivotal issues such as climate change and Russia’s war in Ukraine. South Africa, which currently holds the G20 presidency, opened the discussions by calling for adherence to multilateralism and international law as essential frameworks for addressing global crises.
President Ramaphosa pointed out that the lack of consensus among major powers is undermining the group’s effectiveness in addressing global challenges. “It is critical that the principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism, and international law should remain at the centre of all our endeavours,” he stated, warning of the threat to global stability posed by these divisions. The absence of the United States, due to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s rejection of the meeting’s agenda, further underscored the geopolitical rifts affecting the G20.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was present at the meeting, where discussions took place against the backdrop of significant policy shifts from the United States under President Donald Trump. Concerns were raised about conflicting responses to the Ukraine situation, particularly as Trump has indicated a willingness to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin, causing unease among European leaders and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
During his address, President Ramaphosa urged G20 members to unite in seeking diplomatic resolutions to various ongoing conflicts worldwide, which he noted, “continue to exact heavy human toll and heighten global insecurity.” His remarks highlighted the need for cooperation, indicating that, despite differences, “cooperation is our greatest strength” and stressing the importance of finding common ground through constructive dialogue.
The recent G20 meeting in South Africa revealed significant tensions among member nations, particularly concerning the Ukraine conflict. President Cyril Ramaphosa advocated for multilateralism and cooperation to address global crises, while divisions within the group hinder progress on critical issues. The absence of the United States and the presence of Russian officials further illustrated the geopolitical complexities faced by the G20. Ultimately, collaborative efforts and diplomatic solutions remain essential for fostering global stability.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
