Israeli energy minister Karine Elharrar could not get to the venue of the UN climate summit in Glasgow due to a lack of barrier-free access, according to the BBC.
She spent two hours outside the venue before returning to a hotel in Edinburgh, 50 miles away.
Ms Elharrar told the Israeli media that she could not get to the conference venue because the only option was to either walk or take the shuttle, which was not adapted for wheelchair users.
The UK’s Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said the incident was “deeply regrettable”, and the government had apologised to Ms Elharrar.
Mr Eustice added: “I know that at most of the other entrances there [is] wheelchair access there. It was because she obviously came to an entrance that didn’t have that provision.”
He faced some criticism for the remarks.
Lib Dem peer Lady Ludford tweeted: “Not the most gracious of responses for the COP26 host to blame the guest.”
Boris Johnson had invited Ms Elharrar to join a meeting between the two prime ministers on Tuesday.
UK Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly said he was “deeply disappointed and frustrated” Ms Elharrar could not access the summit.
“The COP venue is designed to be accessible for all. I have spoken to the minister about this and I look forward to meeting her [on Tuesday],” he tweeted.
