Argentina Rejects G20 Declaration Over Palestine Conflict and Geopolitical Stance

Argentina Stands Apart at G20 Summit

Argentina has notably refused to endorse the joint declaration issued at the recent G20 summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 22-23, 2025. The South American nation was the only country present at the gathering to withhold its backing for the consensus document. This decision was communicated by Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, who represented Argentina in the absence of President Javier Milei. The rejection highlights significant disagreements concerning the declaration's stance on the Palestine conflict and broader geopolitical considerations.

Disagreements on Middle East Conflict and Geopolitics

The primary reasons cited by Argentina for its refusal centered on the declaration's approach to the Middle East conflict. Argentina's foreign ministry stated that its decision was based on 'the breakdown of the consensus rules governing the operation of the G20, as well as to substantive differences in the geopolitical considerations contained in the text.' The ministry further elaborated that the document's treatment of the Middle East conflict 'fails to capture its full complexity,' by omitting 'the regional context and the underlying structural causes of the conflict.' The declaration included a point vowing that members 'will work for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ukraine, as well as ending other conflicts and wars around the globe.'

Shift in Argentine Foreign Policy

This diplomatic move aligns with a broader shift in Argentina's foreign policy under President Javier Milei. Milei, a staunch ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has steered Argentina closer to traditional Western allies. This shift has been evident in several international forums. For instance, in September 2024, Argentina was one of only 10 countries to vote against a two-state solution in Israel and Palestine at the UN General Assembly. Additionally, Argentina previously refused to sign a statement on gender equality and women's empowerment and did not support the United Nations Pact for the Future.

Summit Context and Declaration Content

The G20 summit in South Africa proceeded with the adoption of the declaration despite Argentina's reservations. Notably, the United States boycotted the summit entirely due to diplomatic tensions with the host nation. The 122-point declaration, spanning 30 pages, covered a wide array of global issues, including:

• Climate change and energy transition
• Gender equality
• Debt sustainability
• Reduced inequality
• Global support for Africa

Unusually, the declaration was released at the start of the event, rather than at its conclusion, as is customary for G20 summits.