To make the group more representative, the G20 members agreed on Saturday to grant permanent membership to the African Union. The agreement was reached at the inaugural session of the two-day G20 Summit held in New Delhi on the weekend.

AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki said that the AU's joining the group would amplify the continent's advocacy and contributions to meeting global challenges.

The G20, founded in 1999 in response to several world economic crises, is a major forum to discuss financial and economic issues. It previously comprised 19 countries plus the European Union.

Africa is a dynamic continent. With the rapid advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Africa's economic vitality and market potential are being further released. The AU's accession to the G20 is a reflection of the continent's growing strength. By 2050, Africa is expected to be home to one-fourth of the world's population, and more than two-fourths will be under the age of 25.

As the most important platform for African countries, the AU actively coordinates its members to speak with one voice on the international stage, demonstrating the strength of Africa and attracting increasing attention from all parties. In recent years, the AU has made remarkable achievements in leading the African fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and promoting economic recovery. Its institutional reform has achieved initial positive results and its international influence has further increased.

The AU becoming a member of the G20 will help Africa better participate in global governance. The G20 plays an important role in global economic affairs and is an effective multilateral mechanism for jointly addressing global issues. The accession of the AU to the G20 will help African countries make their voice better heard on the world stage.

The AU's accession to the G20 is the latest development in the world's multipolarization process. At present, the accelerated rise of the Global South has become a new trend on the international stage, promoting the evolution of the world toward multipolarization, promoting the balance of international power, and fundamentally changing the world map. The Global South is continuously pursuing strategic independence, actively participating in global governance with a more confident attitude, and becoming an indispensable party in handling international affairs.

China has always been committed to increasing the representation and voice of developing countries in global governance. China was the first country to explicitly support the AU's accession to the G20. It also supports making special arrangements in the reform of the United Nations Security Council to give priority to African demands, and calls on multilateral financial institutions to increase the voice of African countries.

XINHUA NEWS AGENCY