G20 finance ministers said they were optimistic about reaching a common stance on trade and other global challenges, despite US President Donald Trump’s tariffs overshadowing the meeting.
… While G20 communiqués are generally not compelling and precise wording is vague, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne told Reuters Thursday evening that he was cautiously optimistic that a communiqué would emerge at the end of the Durban meeting. This same optimism was shared by another G20 official who requested anonymity.
South Africa, under its presidency, sought to present an Africa-focused agenda under the motto “Solidarity, Equity, Sustainability.” This agenda included issues such as financing for capital costs and combating climate change.
Delegates at the meeting sought to reach a consensus on global economic challenges such as the uncertainties created by trade tensions and climate finance. However, the challenge was determining the language that Washington would accept. The absence of US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent from the two-day meeting further complicated the process.
Bessent had also skipped the Cape Town meeting in February; some officials from China, Japan, and Canada also did not attend. However, Washington will assume the G20 presidency in December.
While Bessent’s absence was not ideal, it was stated that the US was involved in discussions on trade, the global economy, and climate change. South African Central Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago stated that all G20 countries were represented, adding, “That’s what’s important.”
**(The last line is a jumbled mix of Turkish words and phrases)**
**(The last line is a …
