G20 communique unanimously agreed on, but Turkey wanted 'voice heard'

The G20 summit's final communique was approved unanimously by all countries on Nov. 22, but Turkey wanted its "voice to be heard," Saudi Arabia's Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan told reporters in a news conference closing out the two-day online meeting.

Monday November 23 2020 11:55 am

!Family Photo' for annual G20 Summit World Leaders is projected onto Salwa Palace in At-Turaif, one of Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, in Diriyah.

Duvar English

All G20 countries, including Turkey, have agreed to the final declaration adopted after a two-day summit on Nov. 22, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said during a press briefing.

Earlier in the day, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud told reporters that there would be a separate statement from Turkey outlining its views on the declaration.

"The communique has been approved unanimously. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said before the concluding remarks by His Majesty [King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud], Turkey wanted to make sure that their voice is heard," Al-Jadaan said.

"We have agreed on this at the energy ministers' meeting, and a presidency statement has been issued. We are issuing the same just to make sure that Turkey's voice is heard. However, in relation to the communique itself, it has been agreed by everyone, including Turkey," he said when asked what specifically Turkey opposed in the declaration.

The Group of 20 Leaders' Summit held under the term presidency of Saudi Arabia ended on Nov. 22 with a commitment for a "strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive post-COVID-19 era."

“We, the G20 Leaders, meeting for the second time under the Saudi Presidency, stand united in our conviction that coordinated global action, solidarity, and multilateral cooperation are more necessary today than ever to overcome the current challenges and realize opportunities of the 21st century for all by empowering people, safeguarding the planet, and shaping new frontiers," read the summit declaration.

"We are committed to leading the world in shaping a strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive post-COVID-19 era,” the statement added.

“We have mobilized resources to address the immediate financing needs in global health to support the research, development, manufacturing, and distribution of safe and effective COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. We will spare no effort to ensure their affordable and equitable access for all people, consistent with members’ commitments to incentivize innovation,” it said.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz handed over the G20 presidency to Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

The G20 was formed in 1999 as a meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis.

The G20 consists of Germany, the US, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Indonesia, France, South Africa, South Korea, India, the UK, Italy, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the European Union as well as the IMF and the World Bank.