G20 agrees to aid poor countries affected by Iran war

Washington (ANTARA) - Finance ministers from the Group of 20 (G20) major economies on Thursday (16/4) agreed on the need to provide financial and humanitarian support to poor countries severely affected by the repercussions of the war in the Middle East.

After their meeting in Washington, Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated at a press conference that there was a “shared understanding” among the finance ministers and central bank governors, who also discussed global economic imbalances.

With the United States holding the group’s presidency this year, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent chaired the meeting on the sidelines of the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.

Bessent spoke about the risks facing vulnerable countries stemming from the conflict’s impacts, mentioning food vulnerability accompanied by potential fertiliser shortages, according to Katayama.

Katayama said that Bessent also explained the United States’ position on its war with Iran, including calling on other G20 members to cooperate in sanctions against Tehran.

The G20 finance ministers did not issue a joint statement following their discussions.