Atlanta: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to host G20 foreign ministers on Friday as divisions over the wars in Iran and Ukraine complicate efforts to address rising energy costs and disruptions to global trade.
The meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, comes days before US midterm elections and will help prepare for a December leaders’ summit at President Donald Trump’s Doral resort in Miami. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is attending, while China is sending a deputy instead of Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Energy and shipping on the agenda
A US State Department official said the talks would address energy supplies, supply chain challenges and the effects of geopolitical tensions on economic security.
Washington also wants discussions on keeping critical shipping routes open to commercial traffic without threats or tolls. Energy prices have risen sharply during the conflict with Iran and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and gas shipments.
Freedom of navigation, the ability of ships to travel through waterways in accordance with international law, is expected to feature in the discussions. China objected to proposed wording on navigation in Hormuz and other waters at an earlier G20 finance ministers’ meeting.
Lavrov’s attendance draws attention
Rubio’s expected encounter with Lavrov comes ahead of planned negotiations involving Moscow, Kyiv and Washington in November.
Lavrov, who remains under international sanctions, is expected to argue against those restrictions. His participation comes as Washington pursues diplomacy over Ukraine and seeks Russian cooperation on fuel supplies.
Trump has recently eased some sanctions on Moscow and promoted an arrangement for Russian diesel sales as higher fuel prices affect American consumers.
Washington has welcomed Russian officials to this year’s G20 events while excluding fellow member South Africa. Trump has also invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to December’s summit.
Limited expectations for agreement
A diplomatic source said deep divisions made agreement on a common statement unlikely. The source expected the United States to issue a chair’s summary instead.
A joint declaration represents an agreed position among participating members. A chair’s summary records the host’s account of the discussions and does not necessarily reflect consensus.
The G20 brings together major economies to discuss international economic cooperation. This meeting is expected to test whether members can cooperate on energy and trade despite disagreements over ongoing conflicts.
