Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to arrive in Johannesburg on Thursday for a two-day Group of Twenty (G20) ministerial meeting, where he will address his counterparts on global geopolitical developments. The meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions between the West and Russia, as well as diplomatic strains between the United States and South Africa.
South Africa, holding the G20 presidency for the first time, aims to promote an inclusive agenda that focuses on economic growth, reducing inequality, and ensuring fair access to financing for developing nations. However, geopolitical tensions, particularly those related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader global economic landscape, are expected to take center stage.
Lavrov’s speech will provide a detailed analysis of the current international situation, addressing what Russia sees as the root causes of global conflicts. According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Lavrov will advocate for an open global economy and reject what Moscow perceives as Western-imposed trade restrictions, sanctions, and unfair competition. He will also emphasize Russia’s commitment to the United Nations’ central role in global governance.
The meeting is also overshadowed by a diplomatic fallout between the U.S. and South Africa. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has decided to skip the Johannesburg meeting following a major policy rift between Washington and Pretoria. The tension escalated after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on February 7, halting American assistance to South Africa. Trump accused South Africa’s government of discriminatory policies against its white population and criticized Pretoria’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice over alleged genocide in Gaza.
Rubio, citing South Africa’s “anti-American policies,” refused to attend the G20 meeting, further straining U.S.-South Africa relations. Pretoria officially requested an explanation from Washington, but as of now, no response has been given.
Lavrov’s presence in Johannesburg comes shortly after crucial Russian-U.S. talks in Riyadh, making him a key figure at the G20 gathering. Other ministers, particularly from Western nations, may seek private discussions with him on the sidelines despite past reluctance to engage with Russian officials over the Ukraine crisis.
Russia will also use the platform to highlight its partnerships within BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Eurasian Economic Union. With South Africa at the helm, the meeting presents a strategic opportunity for emerging economies to push back against Western dominance in global decision-making.
