APA-Johannesburg (South Africa) The African Union (AU) has reportedly been granted permanent membership into the G20 group of states currently comprising the world’s biggest economies, APA learnt on Friday.
According to a report monitored here, the move would give the AU the same status as the European Union as a member of the G20.
G20 leaders are expected to announce this decision during their summit which kicks off in New Delhi, India, this weekend, the report said.
There was no opposition to the AU joining the G20 after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to the leaders of the G20 nations in June proposing the AU be given full, permanent membership of the bloc at the upcoming summit in the Indian capital.
“Our presidency has not only seen the largest-ever participation from African countries — but has also pushed for the inclusion of the AU as a permanent member of the G20,” Modi is quoted as saying.
The AU, a continental body of 55 member states, will, however, not enjoy its new status till next year when Brazil takes over the G20 leadership from India which begins chairing it this weekend in New Delhi, the report said.
The AU currently attends G20 meetings as an “invited international organisation,” it added.
The AU joins the G20 which comprises 19 countries and the European Union — representing around 85% of global gross domestic product, over 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.
NM/jn/APA