CEM REPORT, INTERNATIONAL | The African Union has been formally admitted as a permanent member of the Group of 20 world’s richest and most powerful countries (G20), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Saturday, announced this during his opening statement at the G20 summit in India.
The African Union became the second regional group after the European Union to be admitted to the Group of 20 top developed and developing economies as a full permanent member. This comes after much anticipation ending seven years of advocacy for full membership by the African economic group.
Modi said “India’s G-20 presidency has become a symbol of inclusion, both within the country and beyond, representing the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath’,” which means “spirit of togetherness,” according to an official translation provided by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
“It was in the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath’ that India proposed permanent membership for the African Union in the G-20,” he added.
AU Chairperson Azali Assoumani was formerly offered a place at the conference table as permanent member of the G20 by PM Modi who welcomed him with an embrace.
President of the European Council, Charles Michel, reacted delightfully to the full membership admittance granted to African Union on his X handle, saying; “EU has been a steadfast supporter of this initiative and I am pleased to have championed it from the very beginning with Macky Sall. Looking forward to a close cooperation in this fora as well.”
African Union has always been part of G20 summits, but as invited participant. Now the region has been granted full membership, it is hoped better cooperation will be fostered along the line of mutually beneficial economic ties with the G20 members.
