Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday to take part in the meeting of the G20 Foreign Ministers. This year’s gathering is themed “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”. The foreign ministers will discuss global geopolitical challenges on February 20 and 21.
According to the RIA Novosti news agency, Lavrov is set to present a comprehensive analysis of the international situation and hold several bilateral talks on the sidelines of the meeting. A source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry reportedly plans for Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to hold bilateral talks with Lavrov.
US Foreign Minister Marco Rubio had previously cancelled his attendance and will instead be represented by a diplomat from the US embassy. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will be represented by Katja Keul, the State Minister in the Foreign Office.
South Africa has held the G20 presidency since December 2024, being the first African country to do so. The G20, comprising 19 countries and the European and African Unions, is considered one of the most important international forums for coordinating economic and security policy strategies. The presidency is set to be handed over to the US in November of this year.