Latest news with #G20Leaders'Summit
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Trump's bid to dismantle multilateralism diminishes US influence
President Cyril Ramaphosa received a courtesy call from the People's Republic of China's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Wang Yi, on the margins of the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting held at the Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg on February 20, 2025. China, India, Brazil, and others are stepping up, demonstrating that cooperation can move forward even when one of the largest economies chooses to disengage, says the writer. Image: GCIS Reneva Fourie Despite his recent assurances to President Cyril Ramaphosa that he would attend the G20 Leaders' Summit later in the year, President Donald Trump's reliability is questionable. Since beginning his second term in office, Trump has distanced himself from international cooperation and multilateral institutions. His approach to global engagement appears transactional, unpredictable, and driven more by personal instincts than long-term strategy or shared responsibility. This trend has become increasingly evident during South Africa's presidency of the G20. The United States, while formally set to assume the G20 presidency next, has demonstrated a lack of meaningful participation in the lead-up to the Summit. Key officials have been absent from critical meetings. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent missed high-level sessions. Reports have surfaced that Trump instructed his administration to scale back involvement in the G20 altogether. The US also did not participate in the recent G20 Agricultural Chief Scientists meeting despite assurances to support President Ramaphosa having been given in the Heads of State bilateral. These developments raise serious concerns about the US's commitment to global cooperation. The G20 is one of the few spaces where developed and developing countries can collaborate to address global economic and financial challenges. Its member states account for around 85 per cent of global GDP, more than 75 per cent of international trade, and two-thirds of the world's population. However, it does not have a permanent secretariat. The success of the G20 depends on the ability of current, previous, and incoming hosts to work together, building continuity through what is known as the troika system. With South Africa preparing to hand over the presidency to the US, cooperation has become even more important. Unfortunately, the US is not fulfilling its required role. Trump's reluctance to engage with multilateral forums is part of a broader pattern. Earlier this year, he issued an executive order requiring a full review of US participation in international organisations. This review is already having several adverse consequences. Future funding for UNWRA, the World Health Organisation and UNESCO is uncertain. The United Nations is currently planning significant budget cuts of between 15 and 20 per cent as part of its UN80 Reform Initiative. Although Secretary-General, António Guterres, insists that the US does not directly cause these cuts, the reality is that it has not paid its dues in full. At a time when global coordination is essential, the reduction in funding and staff weakens one of the world's most important platforms for cooperation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The financial priorities outlined in Trump's 2026 budget proposal reflect a similar retreat. It includes only 9.6 billion dollars in new international spending, which represents a reduction of more than 80 per cent when expected rescissions are taken into account. The administration also plans to cut 15 billion dollars from renewable energy and carbon capture programmes and 4.5 billion dollars from conservation efforts. These proposals send a clear message. The US, under Trump, is turning inward, cutting itself off from collective solutions to the challenges that affect all countries. This approach is especially damaging to global trade. Trump's abuse of tariffs, often without consulting allies or respecting World Trade Organisation processes, has undermined the very foundations of the international trade system. By acting unilaterally and ignoring established norms, the US weakens the credibility of institutions that seek to facilitate fair and predictable global commerce. Despite these actions, work continues. Non-state US actors continue to engage in the technical and policy-related activities of various G20 working groups. Under its G20 presidency, South Africa has advanced a forward-looking agenda focused on inclusive growth, climate resilience, food security, and digital innovation. These priorities reflect the urgent needs of the Global South and speak to a broader shift in global leadership. China, India, Brazil, and others are stepping up, demonstrating that cooperation can move forward even when one of the largest economies chooses to disengage. Trump's absence may grab headlines, but it will not stop progress. The G20 was not designed to revolve around one country. It works best when all members contribute but does not collapse when one refuses to participate as another country can always replace the US for next year's presidency. Important initiatives are already moving ahead without the active involvement of the US. Should Trump ultimately decide not to attend the Leaders' Summit, the impact on the Summit itself will likely be minimal. The real cost will be to the US, which risks losing influence, credibility, and the ability to shape global decisions. The longer-term consequences of this approach could be even more significant. When the US withdraws from global leadership, it creates a vacuum that others are more than willing to fill. The G20 will proceed, consensus will be reached, and international initiatives will move forward. By not being at the table, the US risks being left behind, losing further influence, missing opportunities, and a diminished role in shaping global policies. In an interconnected world, isolationism is not a sign of strength but shortsightedness.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
US snubs key G20 Agriculture meeting in South Africa
Just days after President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to Washington aimed at repairing diplomatic ties, the United States was notably absent from the G20 meeting Image: Armand Hough/Independent Media Just days after President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to Washington, aimed at repairing diplomatic ties, the United States was notably absent from the G20 meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists in Limpopo on Monday. Last week, Ramaphosa and his delegation met US President Donald Trump at the White House in hopes of mending strained relations and boosting trade between the two nations. During the meeting, Trump showed a video falsely claiming it depicted a mass grave for white farmers. He also played clips of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and others singing the struggle song "Kill the Boer," which he claimed was evidence that white farmers were being persecuted in South Africa. After the meeting, Ramaphosa said the meeting went well and expressed hope that Trump would attend the G20 summit in South Africa in December. "President Trump agreed that the US should continue playing a key role in the G20, including attending the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg later this year, where South Africa will hand over the presidency of the G20 to the US," Ramaphosa said. Trump and the US have previously vowed that they will not be attending the G20 summit in South Africa later this year, because of the false claims that white farmers were being persecuted in the country. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ During the G20 meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists in Limpopo on Monday, the US did not send a delegation. The gathering brought together representatives from member nations to discuss key global challenges, including climate change, food security, and the advancement of agricultural research and innovation systems. In an interview with the SABC on Monday, Limpopo's Agriculture and Rural Development Director-General Mooketsa Ramasodi confirmed that the US was not present at the event, adding that they were not given a reason for the absence. 'First of all, the USA is part and parcel of the troika that is leading in terms of G20, in Brazil. SA is the presidency, and also the US," he said. "We've not been given the reasons in terms of non-participation. But what we have here is a full house in terms of the G20 members except the US. And we've got also invited countries. International organisations and African research institutions are here. All of them looking at one thing only, to ensure that food security and agriculture are advanced.' he added. IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Trump 'agrees' to participate in G20 Summit, Ramaphosa
In April, Trump claimed South Africa was confiscating land and committing genocide and he would not attend the G20 summit. US President Donald Trump has agreed that the US will participate in G20 events, including the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa. Trump backtracked on his decision not to attend the G20 events after a bilateral meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa in which the two leaders discussed a range of trade and investment issues. Trump's initial stance In April, Trump took to his Truth Social platform, claiming that South Africa was confiscating land and committing genocide. 'How could we be expected to go to South Africa for the very important G20 meeting when land confiscation and genocide are the primary topics of conversation? 'They are taking the land of white farmers and then killing them and their families. The media refuses to report on this. 'The US has held back all contributions to South Africa. Is this where we want to be for the G20? I don't think so,' Trump said. ALSO READ: US visit came amid 'increasing strain' between two countries, Ramaphosa says Change of mind However, after Ramaphosa serenaded Trump during their much-anticipated recent meeting at the Oval Office in the White House, the US president changed his mind. Writing in his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa said one of the key outcomes of the 'substantive discussions' he and his delegation had with Trump was agreeing on an 'economic cooperation channel between the US administration and South Africa to engage further on tariffs and a broad range of trade matters'. 'President Trump agreed that the US should continue playing a key role in the G20, including attending the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg later this year, where South Africa will hand over the presidency of the G20 to the US.' Opportunities Ramaphosa said they also discussed exploring new opportunities for companies from South Africa and the US in each other's markets. 'We were able to update US officials on the ongoing structural reform process underway to improve the ease of doing business and facilitate a favourable investment climate.' ALSO READ: 'There is doubt in Trump's head about genocide in SA,' Ramaphosa says [VIDEO] Misinformation Earlier, Ramaphosa said his recent visit to the US to meet with Trump came at a time when relations between the two countries were under 'increasing strain', mainly due to disinformation. Ramaphosa said he and his delegation went to Washington to meet with Trump to establish a 'basis for greater economic cooperation and to address some of the challenges' that have recently arisen in relations between the two countries. 'Our visit came at a time when US-SA relations have come under increasing strain, largely as a result of misinformation peddled by fringe groups in our two countries, including a false narrative about a so-called genocide and an orchestrated campaign of violence against white farmers.' Genocide Trump proved to be a political rottweiler for Afrikaners and white farmers and shifted the focus from what began as a cordial discussion with Ramaphosa, veering sharply off course to farm attacks and white genocide in South Africa, ambushing the president. Ramaphosa said in this context, it was critical for Pretoria to engage directly with the US administration to correct misinformation and provide a true account of the progress 'we have made as a democracy and the many and complex challenges we still face'. ALSO READ: WATCH: Donald Trump ambushes Cyril Ramaphosa in Oval Office
The South African
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The South African
SA and US have 'everything to gain' from closer relations
President Cyril Ramaphosa has asserted that South Africa and the United States of America have much to gain from working together. Image: Wikimedia Commons Home » SA and US have 'everything to gain' from closer relations – Cyril Ramaphosa President Cyril Ramaphosa has asserted that South Africa and the United States of America have much to gain from working together. Image: Wikimedia Commons President Cyril Ramaphosa has asserted that South Africa and the United States of America have much to gain from working President was addressing South Africans through his weekly newsletter. The President, together with a delegation including Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, visited the US last week. 'South Africa has always regarded the United States as a strong investment and trading partner. 'Our countries and our economies are bound together in many ways. We went to Washington to establish a basis for greater economic cooperation and to address some of the challenges that have recently arisen in relations between our two countries,' President Cyril Ramaphosa challenges stem from a false narrative peddled by some that there is a genocide occurring in South Africa and what the President called an 'orchestrated campaign of violence against white farmers'.'In this context, it was critical for us to engage directly with the US administration to correct misinformation and provide a true account of the progress we have made as a democracy and the many and complex challenges we still face,' the President said on week, police quarterly statistics revealed that over the last quarter of 2024/25, there were six farm attacks – down from 12 in the previous two farm owners killed in the attacks were African. Only one white farm dweller was involved in one of the attacks. President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that despite these challenges, the two countries also came to agreement regarding the G20 . 'President Trump agreed that the US should continue playing a key role in the G20, including attending the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg later this year, where South Africa will hand over the presidency of the G20 to the US,' he said. President Cyril Ramaphosa said that while discussions were held on that misinformation, the 'overarching aim of our visit was to deepen our strategic economic partnership with the US as our second-largest trading partner'.'The US is a key export market for South African goods, products and services, including motor vehicles, agricultural products and, increasingly, critical minerals. At the same time, we buy many goods and services from the US.'There is potential to increase and diversify trade between our two countries in areas such as gas, mining and critical minerals, agriculture and nuclear products.'The US is a major source of investment in South Africa. There are over 600 US companies, many with a long-established presence here, who continue to expand their investments,' he the economic tariffs that the US has been touting for countries all over the world, President Ramaphosa revealed that the two countries agreed on an 'economic cooperation channel' between the two countries in a bid to 'engage further on tariffs and a broad range of trade matters'.'We also discussed exploring new opportunities for companies from South Africa and the US in each other's markets. We were able to update US officials on the ongoing structural reform process underway to improve the ease of doing business and facilitate a favourable investment climate.'We are operating from a firm base. Last year's country Investment Climate Summit published by the US State Department highlights South Africa being an attractive investment hub, citing key factors such as deep and well-regulated capital markets, strengths in manufacturing stable institutions, an independent judiciary and robust legal sector, respect for the rule of law, a mature financial and services sector, and experienced local partners. 'We have extended an invitation to President Trump to send a government and business delegation to South Africa to explore opportunities for deepening investment and trade,' he said. The President reaffirmed that cooperation between the two countries 'remains firmly in place more than 30 years later'. 'Our successful working visit to the US reaffirmed the importance of keeping the channels of dialogue open. The willingness of the US to engage with South Africa on resetting our relationship is testament to the strength of the bilateral relationship.'As South Africans, as a sovereign and independent nation, we are always ready to acknowledge and address our problems, just as we are always ready to engage our critics in meaningful discussion. 'We are pleased that our visit to Washington established a basis for greater engagement and cooperation. Our two countries have everything to gain from working more closely together,' President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded. How long do you think until South Africa and the United States are back on the same page? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. How much of a soccer fanatic are you? Take our quiz and let's find out!
Newsweek
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Russian TV Mocks Trump's Peace Plan: 'Which One of Them?'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Russian state media pundits have mocked U.S.-led efforts to pin down a ceasefire deal to bring more than three years of full-scale war in Ukraine to an end, ahead of a planned conversation between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump. Why It Matters Trump pledged to end the war in Ukraine in just 24 hours but has struggled to halt Europe's largest land conflict since World War II. The White House, while pursuing thawing relations with the Kremlin, has become increasingly irritated with Moscow after Russian officials in March refused to agree to a U.S.-brokered, 30-day full ceasefire agreement that Ukraine has already signed. Hopes that the U.S. can quickly secure a deal are slipping away, and the administration had openly said it is prepared to walk away from its efforts to run truce talks, although Washington has not yet followed through on the suggestion it could abandon its role as negotiator. File photo: Donald Trump, right, looks at Russia's President Vladimir Putin at a family photo, during the G20 Leaders' Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on November 30, 2018. File photo: Donald Trump, right, looks at Russia's President Vladimir Putin at a family photo, during the G20 Leaders' Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on November 30, 2018. ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images What To Know "I don't think Trump has any plan at all, aside from 'this war wouldn't start without him' and 'he is the best president in the history of humanity,'" Russian state television host Roman Babayan said in a broadcast. It was translated by the Russian Media Monitor project, run by journalist Julia Davis. Trump has repeatedly said he believes Russia would not have launched its full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022 if he had been in the Oval Office at the time. "I have no idea which plan we're discussing," Babayan said. Keith Kellogg, Trump's Russia and Ukraine envoy, said on Sunday the U.S. had formulated a "comprehensive 22-point plan" after previous meetings in the U.K. capital, London. The first of the points on the U.S. proposal is a full ceasefire, Kellogg said. Meanwhile in Russia: pundits derided Trump's peace efforts as an exercise in futility, but acknowledged that his interests are in alignment with the Kremlin. — Julia Davis (@JuliaDavisNews) May 19, 2025 Ukraine agreed to a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire after talks with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia in March, while Russia has refused to consent to a monthlong pause and resisted making any substantial concessions, despite pressure from the Trump administration. Russia currently controls just under a fifth of Ukrainian territory, and has claimed regions of mainland Ukraine that it does not fully control. Russia has laid out extensive conditions for its consent to a ceasefire in Ukraine, many of which have been flatly ruled out by Kyiv, including the dismantling of its military, no path toward NATO membership, and recognition of Russia's grip on seized territory. Ukraine and Russia met for the first direct talks in three years in Istanbul late last week, leaving with an agreement on a prisoner exchange but without concrete progress toward a ceasefire. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said he did not expect major breakthroughs at the talks. Russia's chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, said in a statement Moscow was "satisfied with the outcome" and had "taken note" of a Kyiv request for direct contact between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russian demands in Turkey were "detached from reality and go far beyond anything that was previously discussed," an anonymous Ukrainian diplomatic source told the Reuters news agency. Early on Sunday morning, Ukraine's air force said Russia had launched 273 explosives drones at Ukraine overnight, targeting the region around the capital city, as well as the eastern Donetsk region that has been the site of the heaviest fighting and the neighboring Dnipropetrovsk region. What People Are Saying Zelensky said on Sunday he had a "good meeting" with Rubio and Vice President JD Vance after the "Russians sent a low level delegation of non-decision-makers" to Istanbul. What Happens Next Trump said on Saturday he would speak to Putin on Monday morning before a conversation with Zelensky and "various members of NATO." "Hopefully it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place," Trump said in a post to his Truth Social page.
