The G20 summit in Rio hit an awkward bump when Joe Biden‚ Justin Trudeau and Giorgia Meloni missed the main group photo-shoot (which was planned with Rioʼs famous Sugarloaf Mountain as backdrop)
The mix-up caused quite a stir among photographers who were left wondering about the whereabouts of these high-profile no-shows: some shouted in confusion while others tried to figure out what was happening
Whereʼs Biden? Oh my god! [[photographerʼs reaction when leaders were asked to wait]]
The White House quickly explained the situation — the photo was taken earlier than planned which led to this un-expected situation. Later Biden was spotted walking near palm trees as other world-leaders went their separate ways
This wasnt the first time such a thing happened: just few days back at the APEC meet-up Biden was also late for their group pic. A un-named US official pointed to logistical-issues and early scheduling as reasons for the presidents absence (noting it had nothing to do with Russian minister Lavrovs presence)
The officials also mentioned that Biden didnt use an open ramp due to safety-concerns; however its still not clear if summit organizers will try to get everyone together for another shot — something thats never happened before at these climate meet-ups