Rubio urges G20 unity amid Russia photo dispute
60 sourcesUpdated Nov 2, 20261 min read
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told G20 foreign ministers in Atlanta the world faces a "moment of choosing" amid interconnected economic and geopolitical crises. He said maritime and food security drive economic security. Through an America First agenda, the United States is encouraging partners to protect shipping routes, strengthen food security, and reduce the economic consequences of geopolitical crises. The two-day meeting ends Saturday, days before U.S. midterm elections. A traditional group photo was cancelled shortly before the meeting after European officials objected to appearing alongside Russia's Sergey Lavrov, a diplomatic source told AFP. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said there is no normality with Russia and that misleading visual signals must not be sent. Russia has been shunned by most of the West since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine; Lavrov remains under international sanctions. Rubio posted on X after the opening session. India's S. Jaishankar posted about attending without commenting on the agenda. China's Wang Yi sent his deputy. Fresh Moscow-Kyiv-Washington negotiations on Ukraine are expected in November. Trump has invited Putin to a December G20 summit in Miami. Global energy prices rose after US-Israel strikes on Iran triggered blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
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The photo snub was unnecessary. Rubio had the right idea pushing for cooperation on trade and navigation despite the differences.
Europe should stop letting grudges against Russia derail talks on fixing supply chains and food security.
