Russia has pledged its support for South Africa’s G20 presidency, calling Pretoria’s leadership vital for putting the priorities of the Global South at the center of the group’s work.
Speaking during the G20 Sherpas meeting in Sun City, Russia’s G20 representative Svetlana Lukash praised South Africa’s focus on inclusive growth, industrial development, job creation, and green progress, especially across Africa.
“We really praise South Africa for the priorities you brought to the table during the presidency, including economic growth, job creation, green development, and industrialization, primarily for Africa,” Lukash told SABC News.
“This brings the voice of the Global South to the global agenda, and that is what G20 really needs.”
The meeting comes as the world faces deepening geopolitical and economic tensions ahead of the main G20 summit in Johannesburg.
Lukash said Russia sees dialogue as key to preserving multilateral cooperation and avoiding global division.
“Multilateralism is the only thing that can keep the world together today, save the G20 from collapse, save the economy from complete fragmentation, and ensure global growth,” she said.
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Lukash added that despite clear divisions among member countries, the G20 can still reach collective decisions.
“G20, which unites developed and developing countries, is still able to come to common decisions,” she said.
“It is very well placed to keep multilateralism as a flag for all humanity.”
South Africa, now leading the G20, has set out to highlight the needs of emerging markets and developing economies.
Lukash pointed out that recent G20 presidencies from Global South nations have helped shift the group’s attention beyond just the interests of advanced economies.
She also stressed the United Nations should remain the main platform for global decisions, describing the G20 as a vessel navigating tough international waters but ultimately arriving at the UN for key resolutions.
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Image Credit: RUSI