U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the G20 foreign ministers to Atlanta on Thursday, describing the gathering as taking place at a “critical moment” for international cooperation.
The meeting, which brings together the foreign ministers of the world’s major economies, traditionally opens with a group photograph of the delegations. The photo is a long‑standing diplomatic ritual that signals unity and shared purpose among the participants.
According to reports, several European officials threatened to boycott or walk out of the snapshot, objecting to the circumstances surrounding the summit. Their potential refusal prompted concerns that the photo could become a flashpoint rather than a symbol of cohesion.
In response, Secretary Rubio decided to forgo the traditional group picture altogether, effectively “pulling the plug” on the ceremony to avoid a public dispute. The move was intended to keep the focus on the substantive discussions scheduled for the summit.
Analysts note that the decision underscores the delicate diplomatic environment in which the G20 is operating, as member nations grapple with divergent priorities and heightened geopolitical tensions. By canceling the photo, officials hope to prevent a symbolic controversy from eclipsing the substantive agenda of the meeting.
<small>Source: PBS NewsHour — read the original story there.</small>
