A significant diplomatic moment unfolds at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro as world leaders gather for their traditional group photograph.
According to Daily Mail, President Joe Biden, 81, missed the crucial G20 'family photo' in Brazil after arriving late, resulting in other world leaders proceeding with the photograph without waiting for the U.S. president.
The photo session, broadcast live on Brazilian television, showcased global leaders, including China's Xi Jinping and India's Narendra Modi, positioned against Rio's iconic coastline and Sugarloaf Mountain backdrop. The event was designed to highlight a new Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty initiative championed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Biden's absence from the photo marked an unusual break from diplomatic protocol, where traditionally, leaders would wait for the U.S. president's arrival. The president arrived alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau moments after the photo session concluded, with Biden spotted walking near palm trees wearing his signature blue suit and aviator sunglasses.
A TV producer covering the event provided real-time commentary, which was captured and shared on social media. Their reaction highlighted the unprecedented nature of the situation.
Where was he? They're telling them to wait for Biden, guys. Oh my god! Do you see him to the left? To the left of the palm tree. Oh my god ... He's behind the palm tree right now.
White House officials maintained silence when questioned about the reason for Biden's late arrival. This incident occurred during a trip where the president has notably limited his press interactions.
The Rio incident follows a similar situation at the APEC summit in Lima, Peru, where Biden arrived approximately five minutes late for another group photo opportunity. During that event, leaders wore traditional brown Alpaca wool scarves representing Peru's exports.
These timing issues have occurred against the backdrop of significant political transitions as Biden approaches his final months in office. The president's South American tour included a historic visit to the rainforest, where he announced new conservation initiatives and funding.
The photo session's timing coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visits to both Peru and Rio, where he received elaborate welcome ceremonies. Xi's prominent front-row position in the Rio photograph highlighted the shifting dynamics of global leadership.
The incident raises questions about diplomatic protocols and their evolution in modern international relations. Traditional summit courtesies, such as waiting for all leaders to arrive for group photos, appear to be changing.
The exclusion of President Biden from the G20 group photograph in Rio de Janeiro represents a notable departure from traditional diplomatic protocols. The incident occurred during a crucial summit focused on global hunger and poverty initiatives led by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
While Biden continued his South American tour, including groundbreaking environmental announcements and conservation funding, the missed photo opportunity highlighted changing dynamics in international relations. The event took place against the backdrop of his final months in office, with questions emerging about the long-term impact of his diplomatic initiatives.
