US President Barack Obama has said G20 has now brought voices of more countries including India to the table which now play leading role on global economic decision-making process.
“At a government level, I would note that putting the G20 in the lead on global economic decision-making has brought more voices to the table -- including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, India and Indonesia,” Mr. Obama said in his address to the “Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship”, which is being attended by some 250 successful entrepreneurs, most of whom are from the Muslim world.
After coming to power, Mr. Obama has played a key role in making G-20, instead of G-8 as the global forum for taking the lead on economic and financial matters as the world experienced one of the worst ever economic crisis.
Mr. Obama said as the President he has worked to ensure that America once again meets its responsibilities, especially when it comes to the security and political issues that have often been a source of tension.
“The United States is responsibly ending the war in Iraq, and we will partner with Iraqi people for their long-term prosperity and security,” he said.
“In Afghanistan, in Pakistan and beyond, we’re forging new partnerships to isolate violent extremists, but also to combat corruption and foster the development that improves lives and communities,” Mr. Obama said.
“I say it again tonight: Despite the inevitable difficulties, so long as I am President, the United States will never waver in our pursuit of a two-state solution that ensures the rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians,” Mr. Obama said amidst applause.
“And around the world, the United States of America will continue to stand with those who seek justice and progress and the human rights and dignity of all people,” he said.
“But even as I committed the United States to addressing these security and political concerns, I also made it clear in Cairo that we needed something else -- a sustained effort to listen to each other and to learn from each other, to respect one another,” Mr. Obama said adding that he pledged to forge a new partnership, not simply between governments, but also between people on the issues that matter most in their daily lives.
Over the past year, the US has been reaching out and listening, he said.
“We have joined interfaith dialogues and held town halls, roundtables and listening sessions with thousands of people around the world, including many of you.
And like so many people, you’ve extended your hand in return, each in your own way, as entrepreneurs and educators, as leaders of faith and of science,” Mr. Obama said.
