French Foreign Minister Urges Global South to Back Rules-Based Order on Ukraine
Jean-Noël Barrot Calls on G20 to Uphold Law Over Force
European leaders have urged nations in the Global South to unequivocally support the international rules-based order, particularly in defense of Ukraine’s sovereignty, during the G20 summit in South Africa.
Writing in The Guardian, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that the primary geopolitical divide is not between the Global North and South, but rather between those who uphold international law and those who endorse power through force.
“The real discussion at G20 meetings and beyond should not be about a clash between the North and the South,” Barrot wrote. “It should be about the fundamental difference between those who support the law and those who rely on coercion and aggression.”
Some Western governments have faced accusations of double standards, with critics pointing out their strong condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while offering more muted criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. However, Barrot rejected this claim, asserting France’s consistent stance on international law.
“France does not engage in doublespeak,” he wrote. “Our moral compass is guided not by geography but by justice. We do not turn a blind eye to any crisis or violation of international law. An attacked country is an attacked country, and an aggressor remains an aggressor—regardless of whether they are in the North or South.”
He reiterated France’s commitment to condemning violations of humanitarian law in Gaza and the West Bank, the October 7 terrorist attacks against Israel, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, and the atrocities committed by Sudanese armed forces and the RSF in Sudan. France is also actively working to maintain a ceasefire in Lebanon, in cooperation with the United States.
The G20 foreign ministers’ meeting on Thursday will be marked by the absence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reflecting the Trump administration’s skepticism toward multilateral institutions. Instead, the U.S. will be represented by a lower-ranking diplomat.
Rubio defended his decision, stating: “My priority is advancing America’s national interests, not spending taxpayer money on events that promote anti-Americanism. The G20’s focus on global inclusion and equity is not something we should be engaged in.”
Similarly, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will not attend next week’s G20 finance ministers’ meeting, citing commitments in Washington.
Barrot underscored the G20’s responsibility to reinforce international law, including the need for reforms in global governance.
“Every moment wasted on delaying multilateral reform strengthens arguments that its institutions are illegitimate,” he said. “France aims to complete crucial projects for the future of peace and global governance by 2026, when we assume the G7 presidency.”
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is also expected to focus on Ukraine in his remarks, while calling for stability in the Middle East and action on conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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