(Atlanta, United States) – Canada brought concerns about Russia's war in Ukraine and the security of vital shipping routes to the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta on October 30.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand told The Canadian Press that she challenged Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov over the war's effects on global food and energy supply chains. Her account also included concerns about attacks on Black Sea shipping and the removal of Ukrainian children.

Maritime security was already on Canada's announced agenda. Global Affairs Canada's October 29 release identified freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Black Sea, alongside food security, energy security and resilient supply chains.

The Canadian Press reported that the traditional group photograph was cancelled after European diplomats objected to appearing with Lavrov.

Canada also opposed South Africa's exclusion from the U.S.-hosted talks, Anand told the news agency. She argued for an inclusive G20 capable of addressing shared economic challenges.

The talks were part of a wider diplomatic schedule that also includes the Commonwealth meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.

Sources: Global Affairs Canada, October 29; Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press via CityNews, October 30.

Editorial illustration of maritime security and international diplomacy; not a photograph of the G20 meeting.