World leaders were discussing plans to fight poverty and war at the G20 summit at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Just then US President Joe Biden admitted himself—this is probably his last international summit.
“This is my last G20 summit,” Biden said on Monday. We've made a lot of progress together, but I urge you to go ahead—you must, whether I ask or not.
The leaders agreed with this statement. World leaders appeared prepared to move on without Biden at the two-day summit in Brazil.
Hours after the speech, world leaders gathered for a group photo at the end of the summit with the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain in the background. However, Biden was still talking to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
By the time Biden arrived at the photo platform, other leaders were leaving the venue. The result—Biden's absence from the traditional 'family photo'. The White House called the incident a 'logistical issue', but it was one of a series of delays in Biden's visit.
A similar situation was witnessed at the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference in Lima, Peru, the first leg of the Latin American tour. Leaders on one stage waited five minutes for Biden. Biden eventually joined the stage, taking a corner next to the leaders of Thailand and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping took center stage, alongside host Peru's President Dina Baluarte. The positions of the guest leaders were determined in alphabetical order of country names.
The Biden-Xi meeting: Controversies and memories
Biden's meeting with Xi Jinping at a hotel in Peru was the highlight of the trip. “Peacefully,” Biden said during a discussion on North Korea here.
At one point, when Xi suggested he wear earpieces, Biden joked, “I've learned Chinese.”
At the end of the meeting they talked about their long acquaintance and working relationship with each other. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said they reiterated the importance of speaking directly.
A call for environmental protection in the Amazon
Arriving in Manaus in the Brazilian Amazon the next day, Biden participated in a traditional ceremony of the local indigenous people. After walking inside the forest, he gave a speech on the importance of combating climate change.
He said, no one can stop us from protecting the environment. This revolution cannot be stopped.
last day promise
In another session on the environment on the final day of the conference, Biden urged leaders to take action on climate change.
Biden, who is going to step in 82 years, said, history is looking at us. I ask you to keep faith and go ahead.
At last, restraining himself, he said, I have much more to say, but will say no more.
Based on the New York Times.
