South Africa proud having African interests at core of G20 presidency

JOHANNESBURG - The G20 Leaders' Summit closed Sunday with the hosting nation, South Africa, saying interests of developing world were at the core of her one-year presidency.

Cyril Ramaphosa, South African President, in his closing speech, said the country held its G20 presidency at a time when the world is facing great challenges, including climate change effects, wars and conflicts, and debt burden affecting developing countries, among others.

Ramaphosa said the growing debt burden faced by many developing economies is a major obstacle to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

"The G20 has pledged to extend support to low and middle-income countries as they confront debt vulnerabilities. When we become successful, then the whole world becomes successful," he said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan speaking during the press conference after the closing ceremony of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 23, 2025. (Credit: Hajarah Nalwadda)

"Together we must create a vicious cycle of reduced debt, high public investment and more rapid and inclusive economic growth," he added.

Ramaphosa said climate-induced natural disasters continue to spare no country, but their toll is heaviest on countries that do not have the means to recover.

"We, therefore, call on G20 leaders to urge the global community to scale up post-disaster reconstruction. We have together pledged to increase the quality and quantity of climate financing to developing economies, to strengthen multilateral development banks to support country platforms like Just Energy Transition Partnership, and to unlock private capital," he said.

He noted that the G20 reaffirmed its dedication to energy security, affordability, and universal access, and the importance of supporting developing economies in their transition to low carbon emissions.

razil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (L) congratulates South African President Cyril Ramaphosa after officially closing the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 23, 2025. (Credit: Hajarah Nalwadda)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told reporters after the conference that the issue of the Gaza crisis and the Russia-Ukraine fighting came up in the discussion.

Erdogan hailed South Africa for filing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice over the atrocities being committed in Gaza. He said Turkey too has fiercely stood by Palestine, defending their rights at every platform.

He noted that mitigating the consequences of destruction in Gaza is a global responsibility.

On the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Erdogan said this week he met President Zelenskyy and will have a phone call with Putin tomorrow. He said he intends to discuss with Putin the possibility of reopening a grain corridor, which would be beneficial to everyone.

Speaking about the summit work, Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office and Head of Russian Delegation, highlighted that the delegation conducted constructive talks with several nations at the summit.

He added that a number of countries that Russia considers " unfriendly " have privately pitched proposals on improving economic cooperation during the G20 Summit.

(center-front) Oreshkin Maxim, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office, Head of Russian delegation arriving for the press conference after the closing ceremony of the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 23, 2025. (Credit: Hajarah Nalwadda)

Russia's interests are well-represented in the summit's agenda, discussions, and documents. As head of the Russian delegation, he emphasised Russia's readiness to collaborate with the US during Washington's upcoming G20 presidency. "We'll work with the US as part of their presidency in G20," Oreshkin said during the press conference.

He stressed Russia's consistent active engagement in the G20, focusing on positive development agendas, removing barriers, reforming institutions, and reducing economic risks.

Oreshkin noted the G20 is a key platform for addressing global issues, and Russia is committed to advancing its interests within it.

The summit was attended by world leaders, including France's Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvaand, and India's Narendra Modi, plus German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, among others.

The leaders unanimously adopted the conference declaration, which focuses on debt sustainability, climate change resilience, critical minerals, and multilateralism, among others.

The United States will now take over the G20 presidency for the next year.