South African President Jokes with PM Modi About G20 Summit Hosting Challenges

South Africa is currently hosting its inaugural G20 Summit, marking the first time this prestigious event is being held on African soil.

During bilateral discussions on Sunday in Johannesburg, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa humorously remarked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "You should have told us that hosting the G20 summit is such a difficult task, maybe we would have run away."

In his opening address at the India-South Africa delegation-level talks, President Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to India for providing support with the G20 leaders' summit organization.

"Thank you for the support that India has given to South Africa in hosting G20," Ramaphosa said before adding his lighthearted comment about the challenges of hosting such a significant international event.

The quip drew laughter from Prime Minister Modi and all others present in the meeting room.

Ramaphosa acknowledged that South Africa has gained valuable insights from India's experience organizing the G20. "We have learned a lot from your hosting of the G20... and yours was spectacular... building... ours is really small," he noted.

Prime Minister Modi responded with characteristic diplomacy: "Small is always beautiful."

India hosted the 18th G20 Summit at the impressive Bharat Mandapam facility in September 2023, which was specially unveiled for the occasion.

A significant achievement during India's G20 presidency in 2023 was the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20.

The summit represents the culmination of numerous G20 processes and meetings conducted throughout the year, involving ministers, senior officials, and civil society organizations from member nations.