U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will skip the G20 meeting in South Africa due to his criticism of the host nation’s policies as anti-American. This decision follows a diplomatic trip to engage with international counterparts about the Ukraine situation. Rubio’s absence signifies a growing estrangement between the U.S. and South Africa, while other nations remain supportive of South Africa’s G20 presidency.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced he will not attend the upcoming G20 meeting in Johannesburg, citing his criticisms of South Africa’s policies, which he deemed anti-American. Instead of participating in the two-day conference scheduled for February 20 and 21, he will return to the United States following a diplomatic visit to the Middle East, where he engaged in discussions regarding the war in Ukraine. This decision reflects growing tensions between the U.S. and South Africa, a significant trade partner in Africa.
Marco Rubio’s withdrawal from the G20 meeting symbolizes a significant rift in U.S.-South Africa relations, exacerbated by escalating criticisms of South African policies. The absence of a high-level U.S. presence may impact the dynamics of international cooperation at the organization. Despite this, several countries, including the EU, Russia, and China, have expressed support for South Africa’s leadership, indicating that multilateral discussions may still progress.
Original Source: apnews.com
