Foreign ministers and senior diplomats from leading rich and developing countries focused on global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, on the last day of their meeting in South Africa.

By Makiko Yamazaki TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato said on Friday that he would skip next week's meeting of finance leaders from the Group of 20 major economies in Cape Town, South Africa,

The Treasury secretary is the second top U.S. official not to attend the Group of 20 gatherings because of rising tension with South Africa over its land policies.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday he will skip next week's meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 major economies in Cape Town, South Africa.

Foreign ministers from the G20 top economies were to meet in South Africa on Thursday and Friday, amid tensions between members over the Ukraine war, trade disputes and with the top U.S. diplomat staying away owing to a feud with the hosts.

G20 foreign ministers meet in South Africa to discuss Ukraine war – Lavrov emphasizes the importance of dialogue for peace.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday opened the two-day G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Johannesburg, the largest city and economic hub of South Africa, where he called for multilateralism and the application of international law in resolving world crises.