The United States is set to hold a preparatory meeting for G20 officials on Monday, ahead of formally taking over the group’s presidency next year.
Sources familiar with the matter noted a striking detail: South Africa — the current holder of the G20 presidency — was not invited to the meeting.
The decision is linked to ongoing political tensions between Washington and Pretoria.
The rift stems partly from previous accusations made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed the South African government was “persecuting” white farmers — allegations that Pretoria strongly denied.
In response, the U.S. administration decided not to invite the African nation to events it will host during its upcoming presidency.
Washington has pledged to focus its term on launching “necessary reforms” and restoring the G20 to “its core mission” of driving global economic growth.
No official comment has yet been issued by the White House or the U.S. Treasury regarding details of the preparatory meeting.
Source: Agencies
