Russia wants 'constructive role' in G20 despite politicisation concerns: Kremlin
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov says that Moscow continues to see value in the platform, stressing, “We remain interested in continuing work within the G20.”
Russia remains interested in working within the G20 but views attempts to politicise the group’s agenda as counterproductive, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said.
G20 is a forum of leading economies comprised of 19 countries and two regional bodies, the European Union and the African Union (AU).
Peskov told reporters on Friday that Moscow continues to see value in the platform, stressing, “We remain interested in continuing work within the G20.”
He added that several countries shared Russia’s concerns over political language in summit documents.
“There are attempts to politicise the document, which, naturally, is perceived with hostility, including by us,” he said. “When there is no possibility of reaching consensus, the document simply does not work and is not adopted.”
He underlined that the G20 is intended to address global economic challenges rather than political disputes.
“We have always been against elements of politicisation being introduced in any way onto the agenda of this organisation,” he said.
Peskov also described the G20 as a “much more representative format” for discussions on the global economy and said its importance “remains significant for many countries.”
Under South Africa’s presidency, Johannesburg will host a meeting of G20 leaders on November 22-23.
US-Venezuela tension
Regarding the announcement by Washington of a new operation targeting drug cartels in Venezuela, Peskov said Russia expects the US to refrain from steps that could destabilise the situation.
“We hope that no actions will be taken that could destabilise the situation in the Caribbean and around Venezuela, and that everything will be in accordance with international law,” Peskov said.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday announced Operation Southern Spear to counter drug trafficking networks operating in Venezuela.
President Donald Trump has deployed military assets to the waters of the Caribbean and Latin America in recent weeks, arguing they are necessary to stem the flow of drugs to the US.
Analysts, however, consider the moves as a way to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power.