Argentinian President Javier Milei has reportedly decided not to attend the upcoming G20 leaders’ summit scheduled for November 22 and 23 in Johannesburg, South Africa, according to local media reports. The information, first reported by Perfil, cites sources within the Argentinian Presidential Office who confirmed that Milei will forgo his second opportunity to personally engage with the global forum.
This development comes just days after US President Donald Trump announced that no US representatives would attend the summit, effectively boycotting the event. Trump’s decision and Milei’s absence together mark a significant diplomatic gap for two major economies at a gathering intended to foster global cooperation.
While Milei himself will not be present, sources indicate that Federico Pinedo, initially slated to serve as Milei’s advisor at the summit, and Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno will represent Argentina in his absence. Perfil also quoted a diplomatic source with experience organizing the G20 summit in Argentina in 2018, who suggested that Milei’s absence could be perceived as “a snub to all of Africa.” The source noted, however, that Argentina occupies a relatively minor position in G20 discussions, cautioning that simply following reform proposals led by the United States could risk the country’s influence within the forum.
South Africa, hosting the G20 for the first time on the African continent, will welcome leaders under the theme: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability. The summit is expected to address pressing issues such as global inequality, sustainable development, debt relief for low-income countries, and the energy transition.
No official statement has yet been released by the Argentinian government regarding President Milei’s decision. Argentine media, however, have linked his absence to President Trump’s boycott, suggesting that the US stance may have influenced Milei’s choice. Trump, citing what he described as “human rights abuses” in South Africa, announced that no U.S. government official would participate. In a Truth Social post, he called South Africa’s hosting a “total disgrace” and confirmed that even Vice President JD Vance, who had been expected to attend, would no longer be present.
Trump’s criticism of South Africa stems from a range of domestic and foreign policy issues, including its land reforms and its stance regarding Israel’s conflict in Gaza. He has also highlighted his administration’s strict limits on U.S. refugee admissions, specifying that admissions would primarily prioritize white Afrikaners, a claim widely criticized and dismissed by South African authorities.
Responding to Trump’s statements, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation described the claims as “regrettable” and “ahistorical.” The ministry emphasized that the portrayal of Afrikaners as an exclusively white group facing systemic oppression was factually incorrect. In a statement, the department reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to global cooperation and shared prosperity.
“Drawing on our own journey from racial and ethnic division to democracy, our nation is uniquely positioned to champion within the G20 a future of genuine solidarity, where shared prosperity bridges deep inequalities,” the ministry said. It concluded by affirming its commitment to hosting a successful and impactful summit, highlighting the importance of Africa’s first opportunity to lead discussions in this critical international forum.
The G20 presidency will pass to the United States following the conclusion of the Johannesburg summit, a transition that has already generated debate over the platform’s future focus and priorities. Despite the absence of Milei and the US delegation, South Africa has reiterated its determination to ensure the summit addresses key global challenges, from sustainable development to social equality, and to leave a lasting legacy for Africa’s role on the world stage.
Milei’s decision to skip the summit, paired with Trump’s boycott, raises questions about how major G20 members will engage with the forum and how these absences may affect negotiations on pressing economic and geopolitical issues. Nevertheless, South Africa remains poised to host world leaders and demonstrate Africa’s growing influence in shaping global policy discussions.
