G-20 summit opens with Saudi urging united response to coronavirus

G-20 summit opens with Saudi urging united response to coronavirus

The pandemic, which has claimed more than 1.37 million lives worldwide, has offered the G-20 an opportunity to prove how such bodies can facilitate international cooperation in crises “” but has also underscored their shortcomings







AP

, Saturday 21 Nov 2020







Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud delivering the opening address at the G20 summit, held virtually due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, in the capital Riyadh. AFP













Saudi Arabia's King Salman opened on Saturday the Group of 20 summit as the coronavirus pandemic overshadows this year's gathering of heads of state, transforming it from an in-person two-day meeting of the world's most powerful leaders to a virtual gathering of speeches and declarations.

The pandemic, which has claimed more than 1.37 million lives worldwide, has offered the G-20 an opportunity to prove how such bodies can facilitate international cooperation in crises “” but has also underscored their shortcomings. The G-20“²s member-countries represent around 85% of the world's economic output and three-quarters of international trade.

"We have a duty to rise to the challenge together during this summit and give a strong message of hope and