Trump’s absence becomes butt of jokes at G20 Leaders’ Summit conclusion

If United States (US) President Donald Trump thought his absence would spoil South Africa’s G20 Leaders’ Summit, in the end, he became the butt of jokes as the gathering drew to a close.

Although no US leader was present to officially receive the presidency from South Africa, a diplomatic handover is expected to take place this week.

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As President Cyril Ramaphosa was applauded by his counterparts for a job well done, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva made light of the US’absence.

With a leaders’ declaration adopted at the start of proceedings on Saturday rather than at the end of the two days as is customary, Ramaphosa wrapped up the meeting with brief closing remarks before dropping the gavel.

“This gavel of this G20 summit formally closes this summit and now moves on to the next president of the G20, which is the United States, where we will see each other again next year.”

With cameras still rolling and the mics still live, a delegate, whose face was not shown, could be heard asking Ramaphosa about the US’s absence.

“Where’s the United States?”

“They are not here,” said Ramaphosa.

Lula da Silva, who was sitting next to Ramaphosa and who was first to congratulate him, then playfully picked up the gavel and offered to take it to the US.