New Delhi: In a significant development during the opening session of the G20 Summit on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally invited African Union to join the G20.
The African Union (AU), represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, was made a permanent member of the Group of 20, and invited to take a seat at the table of G20 leaders.
In the first session of the Summit, PM Modi hugged the President of the Union of Comoros and AU Chairperson Assoumani as the Union became a permanent member of the G20. The new inclusion is aimed to unite Africa and enable it to have a unified voice in global affairs.
As PM Modi advocated the need for greater participation of the Global South in the world order, and India’s G20 theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbh’ (One World One Family), the inclusion of AU becomes huge towards this vision of India.
At the start of his address, PM Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in Morocco, which was hit by an earthquake late Friday night. Modi said: “Before we start the proceedings of G20, I want to express my condolences over the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. We pray that all injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time.”
India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1 last year and about 200 meetings related to G20 were organised in 60 cities across the country.
The summit is being attended by more than 30 heads of state and top officials from the European Union and invited guest countries and 14 heads of international organisations.