Koalas steal the show at G20 in Brisbane

Australia's cutest animal stole much of the limelight at the G20 summit over the weekend in subtropical Brisbane, when the host country launched a behind-the-scenes diplomatic offensive.

Before sitting down to address the woes the world is facing, participants the high-level talks were each handed a koala for a photo session on Saturday, and all seemed to enjoy their time with Australia's cuddly mascot.

Leaders attending the G20 summit, including US President Barack Obama, Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, were all charmed by the Australian marsupial, or pouched mammal.