LUANDA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- The African Union's (AU) accession to the Group of 20 (G20) represents a "victory for multilateralism" and will provide new opportunities for Africa and the world, said Carlos Guimaraes Soares, director of the Center for Master's and Postgraduate Studies at the Lusiada University of Angola.

"In an increasingly globalized and interdependent world, it is essential that all voices are heard to foster greater cooperation and address the challenges threatening our planet and humanity," Soares, an expert on international affairs, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

The expert highlighted that the AU's entry into the G20 is a triumph of multilateralism to promote the democratization of international relations, bringing together diverse global forces based on equality and mutual benefit, which will contribute to the joint preservation of peace, stability, and global development.

"The AU's membership will significantly and positively favor the regeneration of the African continent and enable greater African involvement in addressing today's major global challenges -- one cannot ignore the fact that Africa is essential in discussions related to issues such as terrorism, migration, debt restructuring, food security, climate change, and sustainable development," he said.

Soares said that AU member countries face varied development challenges due to differences in natural resources and geographic location, and some African countries face challenges in political stability and security. "Multilateral cooperation, including AU participation, is expected to be crucial in better coordinating security and development efforts in Africa and worldwide."

According to the AU's Africa's Development Dynamics 2023 report, the real GDP in Africa is projected to grow by 3.7 percent in 2023, making it the second-fastest growing economic region in the world, following developing Asia with a growth rate of 5 percent. Additionally, Africa has the world's youngest population, with a median age of 19.

Besides the potential for economic growth and a favorable demographic structure, Africa is rich in natural resources, holding 60 percent of global renewable energy assets and more than 30 percent of essential minerals for low-carbon and renewable technologies.

Soares said that following the AU's accession to the G20, African countries are looking to better tapping into these resources, promoting industrialization, economic diversification, and global sustainable development.

The G20, founded in 1999 in response to several world economic crises, is a major forum for discussing financial and economic issues. It previously comprised 19 countries plus the European Union (EU).

The unanimous decision by G20 members earlier this month to accept the AU as an official member was commended by China, which was the first country to express its support for the AU's participation in the group.

Soares said China continues to amplify the voice of Global South partners, helping Africa with more opportunities to participate in resolving the significant global challenges.

He noted that China has long been committed to African development and is Africa's largest trading partner. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has constructed a series of key infrastructure projects in Africa, promoting trade and economic relations among African countries, bringing Africa higher trade value, and integrating it more deeply into economic globalization.

"In this context, China's experience in modernization, the formulation of new methods of integration, cooperation, and development structured under the Belt and Road Initiative undoubtedly contribute to the African continent's integration into the global economy ... and Africa is no longer a marginalized continent," he added. Enditem

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