The G20 group of major industrialized and emerging countries accepts the African Union (AU) as a member. Indian Prime Minister Narendara Modi said this on Saturday at the opening of the G20 summit in New Delhi. India currently chairs the group of states
“In agreement with all of you, I would like to invite the Chairman of the African Union to take his seat as a permanent member of the G20,” Modi said. Comoros President and current AU Chairman Azali Assoumani walked up to Modi and hugged him.
Important success for the Indian head of government
The Indian head of government is trying to profile his country as the leader of the global south. For him, the accession of the African Union is an important success of the summit.
55 states belong to the African Union
Until now, the European Union, with its 27 member states, was the only regional organization that is a member of the G20. The AU includes all internationally recognized African countries, as well as the controversial country of Western Sahara under international law. There are a total of 55 states.
The AU represents the interests of approximately 1.3 billion people and has the youngest and fastest growing population in the world. According to estimates, Africa could have a population of approximately 2.5 billion by 2050. Only about 450 million people live in the EU.
EU Council President Charles Michel and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the decision. “It is a pleasure to welcome the African Union as a new member of the G20,” said Von der Leyen.
G20: The strongest economies in the world
In addition to the EU, the G20 group already includes 19 of the strongest economies in the world. It is a central forum for international economic cooperation, but now also addresses many other global issues – from the fight against terrorism to climate protection and war. Against the backdrop of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, it is one of the few remaining forums where the West and Russia meet directly.
Source: Krone
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