Rubio opens G20 summit in Atlanta as Lavrov attends and Europeans shun group photo

The G20 summit in Atlanta, United States, was opened by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is also attending the meeting.

The talks are taking place amid intense geopolitical tensions, with countries divided over the war in Ukraine, the situation in Iran and rising oil prices.

The summit is being held today and tomorrow in the state of Georgia, just days before the U.S. midterm elections. It also serves as preparation for the G20 leaders’ summit that U.S. President Donald Trump plans to host in mid-December at his golf club near Miami, Florida.

Opening the proceedings, Rubio described the current period as a “defining moment” for the world. He said economic and geopolitical crises are interconnected and warned that they threaten the foundations of the global economic order.

Divisions among participants were evident from the outset: the traditional family photo was not taken because European representatives refused to pose with Lavrov.

The Russian foreign minister is in Atlanta at the invitation of the United States and is taking part in the summit proceedings. However, his presence is not expected to bring progress in relations between Moscow and the West.

Before the meeting, a European diplomatic source said Lavrov’s participation in no way implied legitimizing Russia’s positions or actions. The source added that European countries would continue to maintain their position on the war in Ukraine.

Talks aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine have been suspended since the beginning of the year. The possibility is being considered of representatives from Russia, Ukraine and the United States meeting in November in the United Arab Emirates to advance diplomatic efforts. Washington, however, has not officially confirmed this possibility.

Trump has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20 summit that will be held in the United States in December, but it is not yet known whether he will attend.

Energy and economic security in focus

The United States, which currently holds the G20 presidency, aims to refocus the organization on its original objectives before handing the presidency to the United Kingdom. Washington says global security and economic prosperity are closely linked.

In Atlanta, participants will discuss challenges related to energy and supply chains, as well as how countries can jointly address the effects of geopolitical tensions on economic security.

A U.S. State Department official noted that ensuring access to energy is important, particularly for developing new technologies, including artificial intelligence.

No joint statement is expected at the end of the summit. Instead, a document outlining the conclusions of the U.S. presidency will be released.

South Africa, which is embroiled in a diplomatic dispute with the U.S. administration, is not attending the meeting. Meanwhile, Washington has invited Poland and expressed its desire for the country to become a full member of the G20.

Observers will also be watching for possible contact between Marco Rubio and his Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira. Relations between Washington and Brazil are another issue drawing attention at this year’s meeting.