'Most of the real problems of this planet can only be solved in cooperation' - Norway foreign minister
Espen Barth Eide made the remarks on the sidelines as the first G20 meeting of foreign ministers wrapped up in Johannesburg.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Johannesburg on 20 February 2025. Picture: @g20org/X
JOHANNESBURG - Norway’s foreign minister, Espen Barth Eide, said the only real way to solve current global problems was through cooperation.
He made the remarks on the sidelines as the first G20 meeting of foreign ministers wrapped up in Johannesburg.
Barth Eide told journalists that United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio missed a good meeting.
Rubio snubbed the invite via social media platform X, using misinformation to substantiate his decision.
Barth Eide said it was up to countries that believed in multilateralism to engage more in order to close the gap for those showing reduced interest in global affairs, such as the US.
"I think it's also an opportunity for Europe to strengthen ties with other parts of the world – Africa, Latin America, and Asia. All the countries that believe we are better off if we respond to any claim that says, 'me first,' we are saying we are stronger together because most of the real problems of this planet can only be solved in cooperation."