G20 foreign ministers' meeting ends without joint communique
The G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta ended without a joint communique due to disagreements over Russia's participation. The US issued a chair's statement instead, listing priorities without mentioning any agreements.
The Group of 20 (G20) foreign ministers' meeting concluded on 1 November without a joint communique, after a two-day session in Atlanta, United States.
Disagreements emerged before the meeting opened, with several countries unhappy that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was invited. These nations boycotted the group photo session.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the host, issued a chair's statement in place of a joint communique. The statement listed a series of priority issues, including energy, food and freedom of navigation, but did not mention any agreements reached by the parties.
China was represented by Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu at the meeting. He said that given the chaotic and intertwined international situation, the G20 must shoulder its responsibilities, act as a force for maintaining world peace and stability, promote de-escalation of regional hotspots, work to address root causes of conflicts, and strengthen global security governance.
Ma said China supports the G20 in deepening cooperation on ensuring energy security and achieving sustainable development, continuously improving energy affordability, advancing energy structure transformation, and improving international energy governance. He also called on all member states to take concrete actions to maintain the stability and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains.