UPDATE 1-G20 to admit African Union as permanent member at New Delhi summit – draft declaration

The African Union will be made a permanent member of the G20, comprising the world's richest and most powerful countries, at the bloc's summit in New Delhi, according to a draft declaration reviewed by Reuters. The African Union, a continental body of 55 member states, would get the same status as the European Union – the only regional bloc with a full membership. "We welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 and strongly believe that inclusion of the African Union into the G20 will significantly contribute to addressing the global challenges of our time," the draft declaration said.