Poland receives US backing for permanent G20 membership, foreign minister confirms

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski announced on Friday that the United States has proposed granting Poland permanent membership in the Group of 20 (G20) major economies, as Warsaw intensifies its diplomatic push for a permanent seat in the forum.

Sikorski made the disclosure during a news conference on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, where he said he is actively lobbying other nations to back Poland’s bid for permanent inclusion.

US invitation and UK initiative

“We’re very grateful to the United States for having issued the invitation during their presidency,” Sikorski said, referring to Poland’s participation in the current year’s G20 activities.

He also revealed that the United Kingdom, which will assume the next G20 presidency, has invited Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to attend next year’s gathering in Manchester.

Poland is taking part in this year’s G20 process as a full participant following an invitation from Washington, but is seeking permanent membership in the grouping.

Bilateral talks and joint projects

Sikorski said he held discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the margins of the ministerial meeting, exploring avenues for closer cooperation and potential joint initiatives.

“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,” he said.

“I can’t publicly say all of it, but expect more Polish American initiative on the international scene,” he added.

Ukraine ceasefire and maritime security

Turning to the war in Ukraine, Sikorski called for a ceasefire in the Black Sea to enable grain shipments from Ukraine and Russia to countries in need, including Egypt.

He also stressed the importance of protecting international maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, describing freedom of navigation as a shared interest of the international community.