'Africa belongs to the table in every room - in every room - where global challenges are being discussed, and in every institution where discussions are taking place,' Biden said.
WASHINGTON -U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday announced he would support the African Union joining the G20 group of large economies as a permanent member, part of Washington's efforts to reinvigorate ties with a region that has taken a back seat to other priorities in recent years.
African leaders from 49 countries and the AU have gathered this week in Washington for a three-day summit that began on Tuesday, with the focus on climate change, food security, trade partnerships and other issues. The G20 has set up a common framework for helping heavily indebted poor countries restructure their debt - much of which is held by China - but that process has moved at a glacial pace.
"This will further heighten the world’s focus and attention on Africa and the need to recognize the opportunities that the continent provides as well as the challenges, including promoting growth and tackling poverty and debt," Sobel said.The Biden administration has been criticized by some as inattentive to Africa, echoing a common complaint about U.S. foreign policy but one that has rung louder since China deepened its political and economic roots on the continent.
Biden met on Wednesday with leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria and Sierra Leone to discuss upcoming elections in the countries next year, the White House said in a statement.
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