US officials a no-show at P20 Summit due to govt budget shutdown

KLEINMOND - The budget shutdown in the United States caused its officials to be a no-show at the final G20 meeting of parliamentarians in Kleinmond, in the Western Cape, on Thursday.

After Parliament initially confirmed four representatives would attend the two-day event, EWN understands they had to withdraw after a funding fight in Washington effectively shut down the government. 

Parliament’s presiding officers say the final declaration will instead be sent through diplomatic channels to next year’s G20 hosts. 

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza closed this week’s P20 Summit, saying it had been both a vibrant space for dialogue but also for fruitful bilateral meetings on the sidelines.

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But the closing session was dimmed by the absence of US officials, who were expected to receive the final declaration. 

In the main, the US has not sent its top officials to South Africa’s G20 events this year over political tensions between the two countries since President Donald Trump assumed office.

Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane explained the US’ absence.

"We were expecting four delegates from the US, however, due to the shutdown, they were unable to attend."

In its final declaration, the P20 recognises the importance of upholding multilateralism, resisting protectionism and promoting global cooperation in addressing multi-dimensional crises.