ISTANBUL 

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Thursday that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision to skip the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg is not a boycott.

Rubio’s absence was not a “train smash” because the US is “still represented here,” is “part of the G20” and will take part in discussions, Ramaphosa said at a news conference following his address to the G20.

Hailing good relations and partnership with the US on many levels, including trade, politics and diplomacy, he said South Africa was “committed to having a good relationship with the United States.”

Ramaphosa highlighted that “the absence of some leaders is not the end of the world,” as long as the G20 can convene, discuss key issues and reach a declaration.

Rubio said he would not attend the meeting because the administration of US President Donald Trump has stopped aid to South Africa because of a new land appropriation law and dragging Israel to the International Court of Justice for its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said earlier this week that the US did not respond to his country’s request for discussions following Trump’s decision.