President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has announced his country’s support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20 during the launch of South Africa’s G20 presidency in Cape Town. This marks a historic moment as it is the first time an African nation leads the G20. Ramaphosa emphasized the need to elevate Africa’s voice in global discussions, particularly in addressing pressing challenges such as climate resilience and debt sustainability.
In a significant diplomatic move, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his country’s endorsement of Nigeria’s bid for G20 membership during the inauguration of South Africa’s G20 presidency in Cape Town. This leadership marks a historical precedent as South Africa becomes the first African nation to assume the presidency of this influential international forum. President Ramaphosa emphasized the necessity of amplifying Africa’s voice in global discussions, particularly in light of Nigeria’s recent expressed interest in joining the G20.
The President remarked, “Nigeria will be keenly supported by us. We have been a lone member of G20. We shall need to raise the voice of Africa which had been neglected.” His comments come after Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, formally sought South Africa’s assistance in promoting Nigeria’s G20 membership during discussions held in Cape Town.
South Africa has recently taken on the G20 presidency at a time when the world grapples with various crises, including escalating climate change challenges and geopolitical instability. “Working together with G20 members, and building partnerships across society, South Africa will seek to harness global will and capabilities to confront these challenges,” President Ramaphosa stated, outlining his country’s strategic priorities during its leadership.
The focus of South Africa’s G20 presidency will include enhancing disaster resilience in light of the growing frequency of climate-related disasters, promoting debt sustainability for low-income countries, and mobilizing resources for an equitable energy transition. President Ramaphosa announced plans to elevate discussions surrounding climate resilience and post-disaster recovery to the highest levels, advocating for collaborative efforts among international financial institutions and the private sector to respond to these urgent issues.
The G20 is a significant international forum that includes the world’s largest economies, aimed at addressing global economic challenges and fostering international cooperation. The inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member in 2023 marked a pivotal shift in the representation of African nations within this entity. Nigeria’s desire to join the G20 aligns with the broader objective of strengthening African voices in global economic discourse, which has historically been dominated by developed nations. South Africa’s support for Nigeria highlights the importance of regional solidarity in enhancing African participation in global governance.
In conclusion, South Africa’s support for Nigeria’s G20 membership bid signals a commitment to amplifying Africa’s role in global decision-making. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks underscore the urgency of addressing pressing global challenges, including climate change and economic stability, while maintaining a focus on equitable development for low-income countries. This partnership not only fosters regional cooperation but also enhances Africa’s strategic influence within the G20 framework.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
