The final
statement from Group of 20 leaders on Saturday exposed a divide between
the United States and other G20 members on the Paris accord aimed at
combating climate change.
German
Chancellor Angela Merkel, hosting the two-day G20 summit, said she was
pleased all club members besides the United States had agreed the Paris
climate accord was irreversible.
"I
think it's very clear that we could not reach consensus, but the
differences were not papered over, they were clearly stated," Merkel
told reporters at the end of the two-day meeting.
She
said she did not share the view of British Prime Minister Theresa May
who said on Friday she thought Washington could decide to return to the
climate agreement.
In the final communique, the G20 leaders took note of the United States' decision to withdraw from the landmark accord.
"The leaders of the other G20 members state that the Paris Agreement is irreversible," the statement read.
On
trade, another sticking point, the leaders agreed they would "fight
protectionism including all unfair trade practices and recognize the
role of legitimate trade defense instruments in this regard."
Trump,
who on Friday found chemistry in his first face-to-face meeting with
Russian President Vladimir Putin, congratulated Merkel on her
stewardship of the summit.
"You have been amazing and you have done a fantastic job. Thank you very much chancellor," he said.