Iran Press/ America: South Africa is currently the only G20 member from Africa. The AU is made up of 55 member states.
African leaders from 49 countries and the AU have gathered this week in Washington for a three-day summit that began on Tuesday, with a focus on climate change, food security, trade partnerships and other issues.
US 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.
Biden, speaking at a US-Africa leaders summit event, said the United States is looking to increase collaboration in all areas.
"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.
Biden's remarks, and the summit, aim to position the United States as a partner to African countries amid competition with China, which has sought to expand its influence thereby funding infrastructure projects on the continent and elsewhere.
Chinese trade with Africa is about four times that of the United States, and Beijing has become an important creditor by offering cheaper loans - often with opaque terms and collateral requirements - than Western lenders.
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