Biden invites AU to join G20

US President Joe Biden said he would support the African Union (AU) joining the G20 group of large economies as a permanent member, Report informs referring to The Guardian.

He said this is part of Washington’s efforts to reinvigorate ties with the region. He added that over the next three years, the US would provide $55 billion in aid to Africa

Biden, speaking at a US-Africa leaders’ summit event on the AU Agenda 2063, said the United States is looking to increase collaboration in all areas.

“Africa belongs to the table in every room where global challenges are being discussed, and in every institution where discussions are holding. It’s been a long time in coming, but it’s going to come,” he said.

South Africa is currently the only G20 member from Africa. The AU is made up of 55 member states. Biden’s remarks, and the summit, aim to position the United States as a partner to African countries amid competition with China, which sought to expand its influence by funding infrastructure projects on the continent and elsewhere.