RIO DE JANEIRO (Kyodo) -- Leaders of the Group of 20 economies dropped mention of resisting protectionism in a joint statement Monday but said they will aim for a rules-based, fair and open trading system, in their first meeting since Donald Trump was reelected U.S. president.

In the statement issued by G20 chair Brazil, the leaders said they were "united" in their efforts to achieve the goals of the Paris climate accord aimed at reducing global warming.

The leaders aired "deep concern" about the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the situation in Lebanon, noting that political and geopolitical tensions hamper efforts to achieve economic growth and fight poverty.

The elimination of the pledge to "resist protectionism," seen in the previous joint declaration, came as global leaders are gripped by Trump's threat to impose higher tariffs on U.S. imports.

The joint statement was released on the first day of a two-day meeting in Rio de Janeiro at which Brazil wants to focus on fighting poverty and hunger, boosting governance and ensuring sustainable development.

Russia's war in Ukraine and heightened tensions in the Middle East have raised concerns about the global economy, which the G20 leaders said faces more downside risks than before.

"We note with distress the immense human suffering and the adverse impact of wars and conflicts around the world," the statement said.

This year's G20 summit is taking place only weeks after Trump succeeded in his bid to return to the White House following his first term when he took aim at multilateral arrangements, pulling the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact and the Paris accord.

"The challenges the global community faces today can only be addressed through multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow and the strengthening of global governance for both present and future generations," the statement said.