UPDATE - US President Biden calls for African Union to join G20

ADDS REMARKS

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden called Thursday for the African Union to become a permanent member of G-20.

“It's been a long time coming, but it's gonna come,” Biden told a leader’s session during the last day of the US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington DC.

The US, working in close cooperation with Congress, plans to commit $55 billion in Africa in the next three years, Biden announced, saying the aim is to “advance the priorities we share and to support the agenda 2063.”

The president also reiterated his announcement in September during the UN General Assembly where he expressed “full support” for reforming the UN Security Council to include permanent representation for Africa.

“Africa belongs to the table in every room, where global challenges are being discussed, and in every institution where discussions are taking place,” he said.

The US capital is hosting a three-day US-Africa Leaders Summit, which 49 African leaders are attending. Issues concerning the African continent are discussed in public sessions as well as in bilateral meetings.

The summit comes as the Biden administration aims to increase its influence in the region amid increasing competition with China and Russia.

Adding that the US is looking to increase collaboration with Africa in every area, Biden said he is eager to visit the continent.

“Some of you invited me to your countries. I said, ‘Be careful what you wish for because I may show up,’” he said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing many of you in your home countries,” he added.