Ireland will be represented at a meeting of G20 foreign ministers in South Africa that will discuss the war in Ukraine as well as other political and trade issues.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris will attend the gathering in Johannesburg today and tomorrow.
Ireland is participating at the G20 as a guest country throughout 2025 as part of South Africa’s presidency of the forum of the world’s leading economies.
Mr Harris is also expected to undertake a number of meetings with foreign ministers from G20 members while in Johannesburg.
However, the group’s richest member, the United States, will not be in attendance after Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused South Africa of an “anti-American” agenda.
The US will be represented by Dana Brown, deputy chief of mission at the embassy in Pretoria.
“It might be at the lower level, but they will be represented. It’s not a complete boycott of South Africa’s G20,” the country’s foreign minister Ronald Lamola said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Chinese and Indian counterparts have confirmed their attendance.
Wars and conflicts in Africa and Europe would be common themes, South African diplomat Xolisa Mabhongo said.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Harris said: “We were honoured to take up South Africa’s invitation to participate at the G20 this year. South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 is happening at a pivotal time.
“As a small, open and highly networked economy, we believe Ireland has an important voice in discussions on global trade and investment as well as sustainable development.
“Not only will this mark Ireland’s first engagement at the G20, it is also the first time the G20 has been held in Africa.
“Our invitation to participate is a reflection of the long and proud tradition Ireland has of supporting global development, particularly as it relates to Africa.
“The whole of Government approach we are taking to our engagement with the G20 this year indicates how seriously we value the opportunity to input to this important forum.
“Ireland is committed to an open and fair-trading system, underpinned by the multilateral, rules-based system.
“Free and fair trade brings economic opportunities, creates well-paid jobs, fosters innovation and builds economic resilience. This is essential for Ireland, as it is for so many other smaller states around the world.”
Additional reporting AFP
