Johannesburg: Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has confirmed that the leaders of the G20 have reached a consensus for a G20 Leaders’ Summit declaration to be adopted. Magwenya was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

According to South African Government News Agency, the declaration was unanimously adopted by the leaders at the summit. Magwenya noted that there was a change in the usual program, as the adoption of the declaration was prioritized to occur first. He explained that this decision was made after bilateral talks suggested moving forward with the declaration as the first order of the day.

The spokesperson highlighted key elements of the declaration, emphasizing the importance of the UN Charter in ensuring peaceful resolutions to conflicts and avoiding the use of force. The declaration specifically addresses four major global conflicts: the DRC, Sudan, Ukraine, and Palestine.

In response to questions regarding the absence of the USA, Magwenya stated that the South African government would not conduct the symbolic handover of the G20 Presidency gavel to a junior official. Reports had emerged that the USA planned to send a Charg© d’Affaires to recognize the handover, but Magwenya emphasized that such a breach of protocol would not be accepted.

Magwenya affirmed South Africa’s commitment to engaging with all countries respectfully, including the USA, despite challenges in resetting their relationship. He stressed that the rules of the G20 process must be respected by all member countries, along with the African Union and the European Union, to honor the efforts made to ensure the success of the summit.