Germany's foreign minister met South Africa's foreign minister in Pretoria during a continental tour that also included Nigeria.
The talks focused on economic growth, the Just Energy Transition and global challenges at a moment of diplomatic strain around South Africa's G20 participation.
Johann Wadephul said Germany would be willing to make South Africa's concerns heard within the G20 framework and expressed hope that the interruption would not be permanent.
Ronald Lamola questioned whether the forum could still be called the G20 if a founding member was excluded from the table during a presidency process.
The meeting highlighted how energy transition, trade and multilateral representation now intersect in Germany's engagement with African partners.
