Johannesburg: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed on Saturday that leaders at the G20 summit in Johannesburg have adopted the summit declaration, public broadcaster SABC reported. "We were getting closer and closer to that unanimous adoption and now we have a summit declaration adopted," he told reporters.

According to Anadolu Agency, Magwenya noted a 'slight change' in the program, with the summit declaration moved to the first order of the day. This adjustment was made after a consensus during bilateral talks suggested the declaration should precede the rest of the session. The declaration emphasizes the UN Charter and international law as central to resolving disputes and ensuring conflicts are addressed peacefully.

The G20 leaders' summit commenced on Saturday in Johannesburg, marking two days of discussions among global delegates. Notably, the US, a founding member of the G20, has boycotted this year's summit. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump announced that no American official would attend the Johannesburg meeting, citing accusations of 'human rights abuses' against the white Afrikaner population in South Africa-claims the South African government has consistently denied.

Magwenya commented on the situation, stating, "One must consider that there is more than one country. We cannot bend the rules for one country." He emphasized the importance of respecting those who have contributed to making the G20 a success, highlighting the significance of adopting the declaration.

Established in 1999, the G20 includes 19 countries and two regional bodies, namely the EU and the African Union.