G20 summit opens with declaration

The first-ever G20 summit hosted on African soil began in Johannesburg on Saturday with an unexpected move: leaders adopted their joint declaration at the very start of the meeting, despite open opposition from the United States, which is boycotting the two-day talks.

- Agencies

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed that the declaration was unanimously approved by all members present. Traditionally, G20 declarations are adopted at the end of the summit, but Ramaphosa told leaders that there was "overwhelming consensus" to take up the issue first.

His remarks were inadvertently broadcast to the media when cameras were still rolling, prompting South Africa's foreign minister to intervene and alert him. The declaration marks a symbolic victory for South Africa.