G20 photo cancelled in Atlanta after objections to Lavrov

A G20 photo planned for the opening of foreign ministers' talks in Atlanta on October 30 was cancelled after European officials objected to appearing alongside Russia's Sergey Lavrov. Several threatened to leave the session, according to reports.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dropped the customary group photograph because he considered the dispute a distraction, two American officials said. They spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity surrounding the decision.

The talks themselves are proceeding as scheduled. They are intended to prepare for a leaders' summit that President Donald Trump plans to host at his Miami golf club in December.

Disputes extend beyond the photograph

The G20 photo disagreement came amid divisions over the war in Ukraine, the US-Israeli war against Iran, tariffs and tensions involving China in the South China Sea. The meeting's agenda includes energy, supply chains and the economic effects of geopolitical disputes.

Some members had already raised concerns about Russia's invitation amid intensified attacks on Ukraine. Russia's Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, said difficulties obtaining delegation visas were resolved only shortly before the meeting.

Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Lavrov would press for changes to international economic institutions. She also suggested the visa problems showed reservations in parts of Washington about his attendance.

Ukraine, which has attended earlier meetings as an invited participant but is not a G20 member, was not invited this year. US officials said they had chosen to limit participation to formal members.

South Africa, a founding member, was also absent amid disputes with the Trump administration. A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said its absence was not voluntary, welcomed other members' support and expressed readiness to participate when Britain assumes the presidency next year.

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