G20 representatives have met in person over the past two years. During their one-day meeting, developing cooperation, revitalizing the world economy and promoting sustainable development in Africa were on the agenda.
Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio emphasized that the pandemic highlighted the need for a coordinated international response to cross-border emergencies.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stressed that there is a great need for poor countries to get as many vaccines as possible.
To end the epidemic, we need to bring more vaccines to more places
he added.
The prime minister also noted the importance of effective cooperation and pluralism.
G20 members are responsible for 80 percent of global GDP and 75 percent of global trade. These countries are home to 60 percent of the world’s population.
The foreign ministers of the United States, Japan, Britain, France, Germany and India also attended the meeting in Matera. Diplomatic leaders from China, Brazil and Australia followed the event online, and Russia and South Korea were represented by deputy foreign ministers.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas complained that his Russian and Chinese counterparts did not attend the meeting in person.
We need a dialogue with Russia and China
confirmed.
Maas also expressed his displeasure because he said he used coronavirus vaccines to advance the short-term geostrategic interests of China and Russia.
Italy announced at the meeting that it would hold a two-day summit on Africa in October. The Italian Foreign Minister stressed that the G-20 has a duty to support the continent to leave behind this difficult period on the path of sustainable development.
Cover image source: Angelo Carconi/Pool/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
