G20 Summit in Australia's Brisbane: Koala Diplomacy in Pictures

On November 15-16, the city of Brisbane has seen world leaders and around 4,000 delegates visiting Australia for the G20 summit in a bid to find a solution to a number of world issues.

The G20 Summit 2014 provided a platform for discussing the most essential issues, such as the Ebola outbreak in Africa, establishment of a new global energy regime and an international corruption court.

On the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brisbane, Russian President Vladimir Putin held meetings with BRICS leaders.
Above: (from left) Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff, Chinese President Xi Jinping and the President of South Africa Jacob Zuma.

The BRICS leaders called on the G20 to slate discussion of IMF reforms if the United States does not ratify the 2010 reform.
Above: A photo session of the heads of the G20 member states, invited states and international organizations at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Center.

The BRICS heads agreed to designate the president and the vice-presidents of the New Development Bank (NDB) in advance of the next BRICS Summit in Russia.
Above: Russian President Vladimir Putin talks with Crown Prince, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on November 15, 2014.

The G20 adopted a joint statement on tackling the Ebola outbreak and urged the World Bank and International Monetary Fund as well as international and regional institutions, civil society and private sector representatives to continue supporting the epidemic-struck countries.
Above: A photo session of the heads of the G20 member states, invited states and international organizations at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Center.

Brisbane delighted the heads of state with a colorful show, showing off its rich and multifaceted Australian culture.

Especially remarkable was the performance of Aboriginal actors demonstrating their native dances.

As a part of the program, the leaders had a photo shoot with koalas, the symbols of Australia.
Above: Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott and President of Russia Vladimir Putin hold koalas during a photo opportunity on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

The first ladies had a similar photo opportunity in the Lone Pine Koala sanctuary where they also hand-fed other endemic animals.
Above: Peng Liyuan, the wife of China's President Xi Jinping on a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary as a part of the G20 Leaders Spouse program.

The Koala photo shoot was meant to dissipate the tension of the delicate negotiations and contribute to the productive results of the summit.
Above: US President Barack Obama and Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott hold koalas during a photo opportunity.