European diplomats refused to pose for a photograph alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the G20 meeting in the United States. They forced the organizers to cancel the scheduled official photo session, a traditional feature of the group’s gatherings.
Two officials confirmed to the BBC that the so-called “group photo” had been cancelled, radiochisinau.md reports. The photograph was due to be taken on Friday morning and was intended to include everyone attending the meeting.
“Under no circumstances will there be a joint group photo with our European partners and Mr Lavrov, as we do not have normal relations with Russia,” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told the press.
The G20 foreign ministers’ meeting is taking place in Atlanta, chaired by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reports radiochisinau.md.
Preparations are underway at the event for the G20 summit, which will take place in Florida in mid-December. Donald Trump has also invited Vladimir Putin to attend.