Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his support for the African Union (AU) to become a full member of the G20 during the summit in New Delhi scheduled for September. Putin made this announcement during a meeting with the Chairman of the African Union Azali Assoumani and the Chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat at the Russia-Africa summit on Thursday.
“We support the [African] Union in joining to the work of leading international associations, and I recall that Russia was one of the first to respond positively to the proposal of the initiative to grant the African Union full-fledged membership in the G20,” said Putin.
According to Putin, Russia sees the African Union as a leading regional organization that has established a modern security structure on the continent and creates conditions for Africa to have its rightful place in the global economy. Currently, South Africa is the only African state that is a member of the G20, which is composed of the world’s largest economies.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had already mentioned in June that Russia would assist in resolving the issue of including the African Union in the G20. The aim is to enable the continent to fully participate in shaping the international agenda and global governance mechanisms.
The idea of the African Union having a permanent seat in the G20 was initially proposed by Senegalese President Macky Sall during his speech at the UN General Assembly in September 2022. President Sall argued that Africa should have a voice and representation where decisions are made that affect its 1.4 billion people.
Including the African Union in the G20 would provide an opportunity for African countries to actively engage in discussions and decision-making processes that influence global economic policies. It would also reflect the growing importance of Africa as a continent with immense potential for economic growth and development.
The African Union comprises 55 African states, which collectively make key political and economic decisions. Granting it full membership in the G20 would give African countries greater representation and influence in global economic affairs.
Russia’s support for the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 demonstrates its commitment to promoting greater representation and inclusivity in international organizations. By acknowledging the important role that Africa plays in the global economy, Russia is signaling its intent to strengthen ties with African countries and foster stronger economic cooperation.
This move could also provide an opportunity for increased trade and investment between Russia and African nations. As the African continent continues to experience rapid economic growth and development, closer cooperation with Russia and other major economies can help unlock its full potential.
In conclusion, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s endorsement of the African Union obtaining full membership in the G20 signals a positive step towards greater inclusivity and representation in international economic forums. The decision is expected to be reached during the G20 summit in New Delhi in September, allowing Africa to have a stronger voice in shaping global economic policies and fostering closer ties with Russia and other major economies.
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