Kathmandu [Nepal], September 2 – The European Union has rejected any move to normalize Russia’s presence at G20 meetings as European leaders protested the attendance of Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov at ongoing finance talks in the United States.
EU economy chief Valdis Dombrovskis said Tuesday that the bloc did not consider it the right time to normalize Russia or its participation in international economic discussions.
“I think the European position is known” Dombrovskis told reporters on the sidelines of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors’ meeting in Asheville, North Carolina.
Siluanov’s participation has overshadowed the two-day gathering which is discussing global economic issues including economic imbalances China’s excess industrial capacity and what Washington describes as unfair trading practices.
European officials avoided appearing with Siluanov in the traditional G20 “family photo” taken on Monday, reflecting continued opposition to Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Siluanov nevertheless held bilateral talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Asheville. The United States which holds the G20 presidency is seeking greater economic pressure on Iran and measures to support global growth.
The talks are also expected to shape preparations for the G20 leaders’ summit that US President Donald Trump will host in Miami in December.
James Lindsay of the Council on Foreign Relations said significant differences remain among G20 members over China’s manufacturing capacity, Iran sanctions and other economic issues. He said Washington’s invitation to Siluanov could make it harder for the United States to secure European support on Iran and other priorities.
The G20 comprises 19 countries, the European Union and the African Union and focuses on global economic and financial stability.
