Despite the U.S.-Russia standoff over the Syrian civil war and Moscow's granting of temporary asylum of U.S. intelligence leaker Edward Snowden, they managed to sit down at the table of the Group of 20 summit Thursday to look at the fluctuating global economic picture.
On the first day of the two-day meeting, which focuses on economic and financial matters, the G-20 leaders exchanged views on steps to boost employment and economic growth, as recent financial market turmoil has cast a shadow over emerging economies.
Representing more than 80 percent of world gross domestic product, the G-20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United States and the European Union.