SA officially hands over G20 presidency to the US in a low-key ceremony

SOUTH Africa has formally handed over the G20 presidency to the United States at a low-key event held at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) yesterday.

- SINENHLANHLA MASILELA

On Monday, the Sherpa of South Africa's G20 presidency and Dirco Director-General, Zane Dangor told Newzroom Afrika that both governments agreed to avoid a high-profile event.

“The agreement is that we should do it low-key. It’s not just a South African issue; the US also doesn't want a very big handover event. So, we will hand over at the level of a senior official from Dirco to the US chargé d'affaires. That will most likely take place tomorrow (Tuesday),” he said at the time.

The quiet exchange comes after days of diplomatic tension over the level of US representation at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.