South Africa rolls out red carpet for G20 Summit
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – The South African Government says it is ready to welcome world leaders from 42 countries and organisations for this weekend’s historic G20 Summit – the first-ever hosted in Africa.
The two-day mega summit will be hosted at Nasrec, outside Johannesburg, and only four countries will not be represented by their heads-of-state. They are the USA, Russia, Mexico and Argentina. China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang.
International Relations and Co-operation Minister Ronald Lamola on Monday said he is confident that South Africa will secure the adoption of a critical declaration – despite the absence of the US.
“We are forging ahead to persuade the countries that are present that we must adopt the leaders’ declaration because the institution cannot be bogged down by someone who is absent,” he said.
The summit will revolve around three main sessions: inclusive and sustainable economic growth; building global resilience in areas such as disaster risk reduction, climate change and food systems; and shaping a fair and just future, with a focus on critical minerals, decent work and artificial intelligence.
France on Monday said it supports South Africa’s G20 agenda, particularly in relation to climate, jobs and growth, and expects the summit to adopt a strong resolution.
President Emmanuel Macron’s office briefed the media on his pending visit for the summit, which will include a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Macron’s African travels will also incorporate visits to Mauritius, Gabon and Angola.
-0- PANA CU/MA 18Nov2025
