A diplomatic disagreement has disrupted one of the traditional moments of the G20 foreign ministers' gathering in Atlanta, United States, after Secretary of State Marco Rubio cancelled the planned group photograph.
The decision followed objections from several European representatives who reportedly threatened to boycott or walk away from the photograph if Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov participated.
The disagreement reflects continuing divisions among major international powers over Russia's war in Ukraine and wider geopolitical tensions.
The ministers are also struggling to find common ground on trade, security, the conflict involving Iran and freedom of navigation in strategically important waterways.
Although the gathering is expected to conclude without a joint communiqué, discussions are continuing ahead of the December G20 leaders' summit.
The diplomatic episode highlights how geopolitical disagreements continue to complicate international cooperation.
