The G20 meeting of foreign ministers of major economies will begin on Thursday in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Middle East conflict and Russia’s war in Ukraine are at the top of the agenda.

However, emerging markets such as South Africa, Brazil and India want to talk primarily about restructuring global institutions, adaptation to climate change and fairer economic development.

Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has confirmed that Russia will be represented at the two-day meeting, while foreign minister Wang Yi is expected from China.

A diplomat from the U.S. embassy will represent America.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio cancelled his participation amid a spat with South Africa over a land expropriation law.

A Foreign Office official will represent Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock.

The G20 includes 19 countries, the European Union and the African Union.

The group represents about 80 per cent of the world’s population and more than 85 per cent of global economic power.

(dpa/NAN)