G-20 welcomes African Union as member in nod to emerging world

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

G-20 welcomes African Union as member in nod to emerging world

6:10 CAT | 12 Sep 2023

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden listen as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes delegates during the G20 Leaders' Summit on September 9, 2023 in New Delhi, Delhi. This 18th G20 Summit between 19 countries and the European Union, and now the African Union, is the first to be held in India and South Asia. India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is the current G20 President and chairs the summit. [Photo Dan Kitwood/Getty Images]

The Group of 20 nations agreed to grant the African Union permanent membership status in a move aimed at giving the continent a stronger voice on global issues such as climate change and emerging-market debt.

Summit host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement in New Delhi on Saturday at the start of the two-day meeting of G-20 leaders, embracing Comoros President Azali Assoumani, holder of the AU presidency, and offering him a seat at the table.

Bloomberg News first reported the planned move earlier this week. It will give the 55-member African Union the same status as the European Union at the Group of 20.

European Council President Charles Michel said he was “delighted” in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter and was looking forward to close cooperation at the G-20.

Source: Bloomberg