rki.news
Source: Xinhua

JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 14 – South Africa has engaged the embassies of Group of 20 (G20) countries following its exclusion from U.S.-hosted G20-related activities, officials confirmed.
South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola told the South African Broadcasting Corporation that Pretoria will not attend the 2026 G20 summit in Miami unless it receives a formal invitation from Washington. He emphasized, however, that South Africa will not call for a boycott of the summit despite the exclusion.
“The United States has taken unilateral decisions this year on multiple issues, including trade, and has withdrawn from several multilateral platforms. Boycotting them would only isolate us further. Engagement is key,” Lamola said.
According to reports, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation sent a note verbale on Wednesday to G20 embassies and high commissions, stating that the U.S. would not invite South Africa to participate in any G20 activities during its presidency. This includes Sherpa meetings, working groups, ministerial gatherings, and the leaders’ summit.
Despite the exclusion, Minister Lamola highlighted that the majority of G20 members continue to engage with South Africa to ensure its participation in relevant G20-related processes, reaffirming Pretoria’s commitment to multilateral dialogue and global cooperation.