eam-jaishankar-to-join-g20-foreign-ministers-meet-in-jo-burg

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit Johannesburg, South Africa, on February 20-21 to take part in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He has been invited by Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

 

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed his participation, stating that the visit aims to strengthen India’s engagement with the G20 and amplify the voice of the Global South.

 

During his time in Johannesburg, Jaishankar is also expected to hold several bilateral meetings with his counterparts on the sidelines of the event.

 

This will be the first Foreign Ministers’ Meeting under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, which began on December 1, 2024, and will continue until November 30, 2025.

 

The meeting will focus on the theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,’ reflecting South Africa’s commitment to addressing global challenges through collective efforts.

 

The country’s leadership in the G20 comes at a time when the world is grappling with multiple crises, including climate change, economic inequality, geopolitical instability, and rising unemployment.

 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that South Africa’s G20 Presidency is taking place at a critical moment when global issues are becoming more interconnected.

 

He has stressed the importance of finding collective solutions to economic and environmental concerns while ensuring fair treatment for developing nations. The country’s priorities include tackling debt distress in emerging economies and advocating for fairer global policies that benefit all nations equally.

 

Meanwhile, tensions between the United States and South Africa have resulted in US Secretary of State Marco Rubio deciding to skip the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

 

This move highlights the ongoing strain in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

 

In response, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola has reiterated that the nation remains committed to addressing pressing global issues, including climate change and financial stability, while maintaining an open dialogue with all members of the G20, including the United States.