Europe Asia News

The opening day is marked by the notable absence of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Tense negotiations took place before the summit’s opening regarding a joint leaders’ declaration. President Donald Trump had previously announced that he would boycott the event due to what he called “pressure on the white population in South Africa.”

According to a source, Washington will refuse to recognize the final document and will demand that it be issued only as a presidential declaration. However, by Friday the parties reached agreement on a final text. Reportedly, it does not condemn Russia over the Ukraine crisis, but calls for peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin will join the Climate Leaders’ Summit via video link.

The G20 Summit will take place in Johannesburg on 22–23 November. All sessions and bilateral meetings will be held behind closed doors, without media presence.

The G20 consists of Russia, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Canada, China, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Turkey, France, South Korea, South Africa, Japan, as well as the EU and the African Union.