Rubio urges G20 cooperation as wars in Ukraine, Middle East deepen rifts
SPY•U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged G20 foreign ministers to cooperate on geopolitical stability and economic prosperity, but Russia’s participation highlighted divisions over the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. The U.S. said talks would focus on energy and critical mineral supply chains.
1. Rubio calls for cooperation
Opening the two-day meeting in Atlanta, Rubio said crises threatened global energy and food supplies, trade, and freedom of navigation. He urged ministers to coordinate responses and help create conditions for geopolitical stability and economic prosperity.
2. Divisions complicate talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s participation aggravated divisions over the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. A traditional G20 family photo was removed from Rubio’s schedule after European officials objected to being photographed with Lavrov; a Western diplomat said a third of participants objected, including Australia and Canada.
3. Trade and minerals on agenda
The U.S. is seeking to focus allies on trade imbalances and cooperation on critical minerals, including through Rubio’s Pax Silica initiative. A State Department official said four G20 ministerial meetings this year had reached some consensus, with more work needed before the leaders’ summit in Miami from December 14 to 16. The article also noted that U.S. economic growth accelerated in the third quarter, buoyed by AI investment.
