President Donald Trump has confirmed that Poland has been invited to participate in G20 meetings, replacing South Africa for this year’s gatherings. Speaking to reporters before departing for Las Vegas on Thursday, April 16, 2026, Trump praised Poland as a “wonderful country” and emphasized the strong friendship between the United States and Poland.
“Poland is a wonderful country. We really like it. We are friends with Poland. The president is doing a great job. That’s why we invited them,” Trump said, referring to Polish President Karol Nawrocki, whom he noted had performed “excellent work.”
The invitation means Poland will take part in both the April meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors, as well as the December leaders’ summit. Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domański and National Bank of Poland President Adam Glapiński represented the country at the Washington gathering.
Trump explained that the decision to include Poland stemmed from the U.S. Choice not to invite South Africa due to ongoing disputes concerning white farmers and allegations of “genocide” made by Washington officials. While South Africa remains a formal member of the G20, Poland is participating in its place for 2026.
The move marks a notable shift in G20 composition, with Poland now sitting at the table of the world’s largest economies. Domański welcomed the development, saying it fulfilled a long-held aspiration for greater Polish influence in global economic discussions.
The inclusion underscores the deepening diplomatic ties between Washington and Warsaw, highlighted by Trump’s public commendation of Nawrocki’s leadership and Poland’s growing role in international forums.
