'Bullying Has No Place In Global Affairs': Cyril Ramaphosa On US' Decision To Not Participate In G20

Last Updated:November 21, 2025, 09:24 IST

The South African President's response came after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the US will not participate in the G20 Summit.

Donald Trump with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa (Image: AP Photo)

As US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the United States will not “participate" in the “official talks" at the G20 in South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday responded, saying that “bullying has no place in global affairs".

Speaking to the delegates at a curtain-raiser event in a clear reference to Washington, Ramaphosa said that no country should be talked down because of its geographical location, income or army determines.

“No nation should be talked down to because of its size, wealth or military power. Bullying has no place in global affairs as we are all equals," he said.

The South African President’s response came after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday (local time) announced that the US will not be participating in the G20 Summit, taking place in South Africa. Additionally, Leavitt accused South African President Cyril Ramaphosa of speaking negatively about Washington, stating that President Donald Trump and his team do not appreciate such language.

“The United States is not participating in the official talks at the G20 in South Africa. I saw the South African President running his mouth a little bit against the US and the US President earlier today, and that language is not appreciated by the President or his team," Leavitt said during a press briefing.

The White House Press Secretary also clarified that the US envoy to South Africa “is simply there to recognise that the US will be the host of the G20".

India Refuses To Comment On US’ Decision

Responding to the US’ decision to not participate in the Summit, India denied commenting on it and expressed happiness over India’s participation. Terming G20 a very important forum, New Delhi said that we are very happy that these discussions have been carried forward under the presidency of Brazil.

PM Modi Emplanes For 3-Day Visit To South Africa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-day visit to the Republic of South Africa on Friday, where he will participate in the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit, being held in Johannesburg.

As PM Modi is set to attend the Summit, the Prime Minister said that he will present India’s perspective at the forum in line with its vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘One Earth, One Family and One Future’.

This is the first time a G20 Summit is being held on the African continent.

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