G20: Some countries allegedly opted not to take group photo alongside Russian foreign minister

JOHANNESBURG - Some countries have opted not to take a group photo alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a G20 event in Johannesburg.  

Eyewitness News understands that the leaders who gathered at Nasrec on Thursday for the first G20 foreign ministers meeting were not comfortable sharing the moment with Lavrov.  

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Russia has been largely painted as the aggressor in its three-year-long conflict with Ukraine.  

Countries like the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, and France continue to pledge support for Ukraine, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemning what he referred to as a war of aggression led by Russia against Ukraine.  

Confused photojournalists questioned why there was an attempt to gather top-level diplomats for a photo that simply was not taken.  

While Eyewitness News has been told that some delegations did not take well to the idea of posing for a picture with Lavrov, government insiders said it was an error that should not have happened.  

They insisted that South Africa had long decided on not taking a family photo for the event.  

Department of International Relations spokesperson Chrispin Phiri has dismissed the claims, saying this is not a matter of diplomatic concern.  

“Unfortunately, the family photo couldn't take place because of scheduling difficulties. We are not aware of this concern and in any event, there is no precedent for a family photo meeting of foreign ministers.”  

The first foreign ministers meeting is expected to wrap up on Friday.