G20 foreign ministers' meeting enters final day in US amid global tensions

By Diyar Guldogan

ATLANTA, US (AA) - The second and final day of a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting is underway Saturday in the US city of Atlanta, bringing together top diplomats from the world’s leading economies for discussions of global economic challenges, geopolitical tensions, and international security.

Hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the two-day gathering began Friday with a focus on promoting economic growth, strengthening energy and food security, protecting freedom of navigation, and improving the resilience of global supply chains.

The meeting is taking place against a backdrop of ongoing international conflicts and heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly the war in Ukraine and tensions involving Iran, which continue to raise concerns about regional stability and their potential impact on the global economy.

The meeting opened directly with Rubio’s remarks, without the traditional family photo ceremony.

The absence of the customary group photo followed indications from several European officials that they would not take part in a photo alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The decision highlighted the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding Russia's participation amid continuing tensions over the war in Ukraine.

In addition to the main sessions, participating foreign ministers, including Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, had opportunities to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the gathering.

These meetings provided an opportunity for officials to discuss bilateral relations, exchange views on regional developments, and explore areas of cooperation.

On Friday evening, Rubio also hosted a welcoming reception in Atlanta for the foreign ministers attending the gathering.

Diyar Güldoğan