India Invited For G20 Meet On Financial Crisis in April

By H S RAO, India Journal, Thu Mar 05, 2009 

LONDON - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is among the world leaders who have been invited for the Second G20 Summit to be held in London in April, which will discuss ways to restore confidence and reinvigorate growth in the wake of the global economic crisis. 

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, whose country will host the global summit, has issued formal invitations to the world leaders. 

“The global economic challenges we face need to be met with decisive action if we are to secure jobs, restore confidence and reinvigorate growth,” Brown said. 

Besides leaders from G20 nations, Chair of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), the Chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the President of the EU Commission have also been invited for the summit to be held here on April 2. 

The Chairman of the African Union Commission will also attend. This is the second meeting of the group after the one in Washington on November 15 hosted by the then US President George W Bush. 

“To be effective in addressing this global crisis we have to bring in partners from across the world. For that reason I have issued invitations to the leaders of G20 countries and the Chairs of NEPAD, ASEAN and the African Union will ensure their  interests are not forgotten and their voices are heard,” Brown said. 

“Having this mix of countries and international organizations present not only reflects the new reality of the global economy but will also make any action we take more effective,” he said. 

Reflecting the participation at the Washington Summit, Brown has invited the Heads of State from India, United  States, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic (EU Presidency), France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Russia,Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain and Turkey. 

In addition, the Prime Minister is also inviting  the heads of a number of global institutions to contribute to specific parts of  the agenda.