Polish top diplomat says US proposed permanent G20 membership for Poland

By Diyar Guldogan

ATLANTA, US (AA) - Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said Friday that the US tabled a proposal to make Poland a permanent member of the G20, adding that he is lobbying other countries to support the move.

Speaking at a news conference on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in the US city of Atlanta, Sikorski thanked Washington for inviting Poland to participate under its presidency.

"We're very grateful to the United States for having issued the invitation during their presidency," he said.

He said the UK, which will hold the next G20 presidency, had also invited Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to attend next year's gathering in Manchester.

Sikorski said he discussed possible joint initiatives with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the meeting.

"I was pleased to be sitting next to secretary Rubio, and therefore we were able to exchange not only views but also ideas on common projects. I can't publicly say all of it, but expect more Polish American initiative on the international scene," he said.

Turning to the war in Ukraine, Sikorski urged a ceasefire in the Black Sea to allow grain shipments from Ukraine and Russia to reach countries in need, including Egypt.

Sikorski also emphasized the importance of protecting international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, as a shared interest of the international community.

Poland is participating in this year's G20 activities as a full participant following an invitation from the US. Warsaw is seeking permanent membership in the group.

Diyar Güldoğan