Rubio says G20 talks focused on energy security, critical minerals and supply chains

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - ATLANTA — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Saturday that the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta focused on strengthening global energy security, securing critical mineral supplies and addressing vulnerabilities in international supply chains amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Speaking at the conclusion of the gathering, Rubio said Washington had sought to return the G20 to its original economic mission by prioritizing practical challenges affecting economies worldwide.

"This week in Atlanta, we focused on core economic, energy, technology, and supply chain challenges, and we addressed practical solutions and real outcomes," Rubio told reporters.

He highlighted the importance of securing access to critical minerals essential for advanced technologies, warning that disruptions to global supply chains could have far-reaching consequences for economic growth and everyday costs.

Rubio said participating countries shared an understanding of the challenges facing the global economy, although differences remained over how best to address them.

"We all agree there's a problem, but obviously there's work to be done to find agreement collectively on solutions," he said.

Energy security and freedom of navigation also featured prominently in the discussions, particularly amid attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and other strategic waterways.

Rubio warned that threats to maritime routes could disrupt shipments of energy, fertilizers and agricultural products, potentially creating wider risks to global food security.

The discussions also addressed cooperation through the Quad, a grouping comprising the United States, India, Japan and Australia.

Rubio identified critical minerals, infrastructure development and maritime security as key areas where the four countries could pursue practical cooperation.