Finance ministers and central bank governors from G20 member economies gathered in Asheville, North Carolina, on 31/8 for a meeting hosted by the US, which holds the rotating presidency. European representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the presence of Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov at the event.
German Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil stated that Europe is preparing a new package of sanctions targeting Russia and hopes the US will coordinate in implementing these measures.
“Coordinated action is the best option, but sometimes we are unsure if the US is softening its stance. I believe welcoming the Russian minister here is a concerning signal,” Klingbeil said. “I want the US to make it clear that he is not being welcomed as a normal guest.”
Many European finance ministers and central bank leaders declined to participate in a group photo with their Russian counterpart. Ultimately, Siluanov did not appear in the picture.
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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (second from left) and Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh (second from right) at the G20 conference in Asheville, North Carolina, on 31/8. Photo: AFP |
President Donald Trump on 31/8 defended the decision to invite the Russian delegation to the conference.
“We want to maintain good relations with everyone,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “One of the reasons I have been so successful is that I get along with everybody.”
Erin Browne, US Deputy Treasury Secretary for international affairs, explained that the Russian delegation was invited because Russia is also a G20 member.
“It is important to maintain dialogue even during conflict,” Browne told the Washington Post. When asked about the concerns of European nations, she stated that they had constructive discussions during the plenary session.
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Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov in Moskva in 4/2024. Photo: Reuters |
The G20 comprises 19 countries, along with the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU). The group was established after the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis to promote global economic and financial stability.
Relations between Russia and Europe have significantly deteriorated since the Ukraine conflict erupted in 2/2022. The EU has continuously imposed sanction packages targeting Russia, while also increasing aid to Ukraine. Russia has responded with restrictive measures aimed at the West.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated he would emphasize President Trump's peace plan to end the Ukraine conflict during his meeting with Siluanov.
Russia was excluded from the Group of Eight (G8) leading industrial nations in 2014, following its annexation of the Crimea peninsula. However, Russia remains a G20 member.
Siluanov last attended a G20 meeting in 4/2022, participating virtually. At that time, finance officials from the US, UK, Canada, and representatives of the European Central Bank walked out in protest.
Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)
