Ntshavheni says govt already collaborating with UK on 2027 G20 programme

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said government is already collaborating with the United Kingdom (UK) on the 2027 G20 programme, with all indications that the United States (US) will ditch most of the work done in South Africa in 2025.

Ntshavheni said too much attention is being given to the US boycott of the final event even though as the incoming hosts, the US is expected to receive the summit declaration.

ALSO READ: US boycott of G20 Leaders' Summit 'doesn’t diminish our work' - Ntshavheni

On Friday, President Cyril Ramaphosa is due to inspect the venue where he will welcome world leaders at the Nasrec Exhibition Centre.

As government prepares to be the ultimate hosts for the first Group of 20 leaders’ Summit on the African continent, Ntshavheni said the US’s absence could facilitate consensus being reached on a final declaration.

This week, US President Donald Trumpsaid it was a disgrace that South Africa was allowed to host the G20.

“The US did not go to the G7. They went to take a photo and left. Or did they even take a photo in Canada? Their absence is not unique to South Africa.”

Ntshavheni said government is not too concerned that the US will dump its programmes in 2026 because it’s confident they will eventually return to the G20 agenda in 2027.

“The United Kingdom holds a view that our focus areas, they will proceed with them - they are actively participating also, and next year they also form part of the troika. So, it’s neither here nor there for us.”

Ntshavheni said ongoing trade talks with the US have not been impacted by its opposition to South Africa’s G20 presidency.

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