The key facts

  • Lavrov arrived in Atlanta for the G20 foreign ministers meeting chaired by Marco Rubio
  • The delegation's flight took more than 20 hours — the route bypassed countries Moscow considers 'unfriendly'
  • Zakharova said that logistical issues for the delegation's participation were resolved at the last moment

Arrival in Atlanta

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, where he is to represent Moscow at the meeting of G20 foreign ministers. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced his arrival, Anadolu reports. The meeting is hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio; the visit is scheduled to last two days, as Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced in advance.

Route and logistical details

Russian media, including the state agency TASS, reported that the delegation spent more than 20 hours in transit: the route was planned to bypass countries that Moscow considers 'unfriendly'. According to Zakharova, most of the logistical issues concerning the delegation's participation were resolved at the last moment before departure. 'The delegation has been formed, all formalities have been completed, and it is ready to begin work,' Anadolu quoted her as saying.