Key facts
- German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to exclude South Africa from the upcoming G20 summit.
- Wadephul stated that excluding South Africa would sideline an important African voice and regional economic and political powerhouse.
- He argued that more cooperation is needed during a time of growing global economic uncertainty.
- Trump had announced in November that South Africa would not be invited to the next G20 meeting.
- Wadephul also expressed a desire for closer relations with South Africa, acknowledging disagreements on geopolitical issues.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that South Africa would be excluded from the next G20 summit, stating the decision would be "in no one’s interest."
Speaking to students at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, Wadephul described South Africa as an "indispensable member of the G20" whose importance was highlighted by the previous year's summit in the same city. He added that excluding South Africa would mean "sidelining an important African voice and a regional economic and political powerhouse." Wadephul emphasized that during a period of increasing global economic uncertainty, cooperation is more necessary than ever.