In Jakarta today, the UN Secretary-General (SG) called for African representation on the Security Council and supported India's efforts for the African Union to join the Group of 20 major economies (G20).

"I strongly support the presence of African countries [in international institutions], at least one as a permanent member of the UN Security Council," said António Guterres.

The former Portuguese Prime Minister recalled that at the time the current global architecture was created, Africa had few independent countries "and most were under colonial rule".

"Africa is under-represented in current international structures," he said at a press conference on the sidelines of the 43rd summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Guterres therefore welcomed India's efforts to get the African Union to join the G20, which brings together 19 countries and the European Union.

"Of course I would be very happy to see the African Union become a member of the G20," he said.

India, which is leading the G20 this year, is making several efforts to get the African Union to become a member of the G20.

The Indian government believes that the African Union's membership of the G20 could encourage discussions and efforts to overcome various problems facing the countries of the Global South.

The next G20 summit will be held in New Delhi next weekend. (Lusa//Sapo)