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The United States cancelled a group photograph at a gathering of G20 foreign ministers after several European diplomats threatened to walk out rather than pose alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, U.S. officials told The Associated Press.
The dispute illustrates the divisions facing the world’s largest economies as their diplomats meet Friday and Saturday in Atlanta. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is chairing the talks ahead of a December leaders’ summit at President Donald Trump’s Miami golf club.
Washington wants the discussions to focus on keeping major shipping routes open, including the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Black Sea. Wars and disruptions to trade have helped push up fuel costs—giving the talks consequences well beyond diplomatic circles, including for import-dependent Cyprus.
But agreement appears unlikely on issues ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran to American tariffs and tensions in the South China Sea.
The prospect of renewed U.S. strikes on Iran adds to the uncertainty. AP has reported that Washington warned regional allies to prepare for possible military action after Tuesday’s U.S. midterm elections and potential Iranian retaliation.
Attendance has created further friction. Russia was invited, while Ukraine, a guest at previous meetings, was not. South Africa, a founding G20 member, was also excluded amid disputes with the Trump administration.
The challenge now is whether countries that cannot agree to stand together for a photograph can find common ground on protecting trade, energy supplies, and international security.
*Source: AP News
