African Union
NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an invitation to the African Union, formally granting it membership in the G20.
Modi has leveraged his hosting rights for this year’s forum to enhance his international statesman image. It will make this expansion of the bloc a significant diplomatic victory for him. Before delivering his opening speech, Modi warmly greeted the African Union chair and Comoros President Azali Assoumani.
Modi said in his opening address to the summit, “India proposed granting permanent membership of the G20 to the African Union. I believe that we have everyone’s agreement on this.”
He continued, “With everyone’s approval, I request the African Union head to assume his permanent seat in the G20,” as he ceremoniously banged a gavel.
Following this, Assoumani took his place among world leaders at the invitation of India’s Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Saudi Crown Prince reaches New Delhi to attend G20 summit
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Saudi Crown Prince MBS landed in New Delhi to participate in the G20 Summit in India. A troupe of women dancing to folk music greeted the head of the Arab world’s largest economy on the tarmac in New Delhi.
At the G20 Summit, he is expected to sign an agreement with the G20 members to build a rail and shipping network that links the Middle East to India and Europe.
His visit comes at a time when Washington is actively engaging with the kingdom and encouraging it to normalize ties with Israel.
US Deputy National Security Advisor said, “This has been the result of months of diplomacy and multilateral settings.”
Finer added, “This project has enormous potential, but I don’t know exactly how long it will take.”
Is MBS visiting Islamabad?
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, is expected to visit Pakistan on Sept 10 for a brief visit. The Saudi Crown Prince is expected to stay in Islamabad for at least six hours.
During his brief stay here, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will discuss expansion in their bilateral cooperation.
In September 2022, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz appointed Mohammed bin Salman as Saudi Arabia’s prime minister. Prince Khalid was appointed as defense minister.
Since ascending to power in 2017, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has brought about radical changes in Saudi Arabia.
He has led efforts to diversify the economy, reducing its reliance on oil. Saudi Arabia also enabled women to drive, curtailing the influence of clerics over society.
