COVID-19 pandemic, economic crisis dominate G20 Summit

Leaders of the 20 largest economies (G20) have been discussing how they can tackle the coronavirus pandemic and a ravaging global economic crisis.

They also talked about the COVID-19 vaccines so that poorer countries are not left out.

Saudi Arabia is hosting the G20 summit, which began on Sunday, for the first time, but that on virtual forum. Also, an Arab nation is hosting the summit for the first time.

“Had a very fruitful discussion with G20 leaders. Coordinated efforts by the largest economies of the world will surely lead to faster recovery from this pandemic,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet.

“I put forward a need to develop a new global index based on talent, technology, transparency and trusteeship towards the planet,” he proposed.

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, emphasizes the need to join forces to defeat pandemics and recover stronger.

Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, shares his views on the G20 efforts to overcome the global crisis.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud delivered the welcome remarks.

“We have a duty to rise to the challenges together during this summit and give a strong message of hope and reassurance to our peoples through adopting policies to mitigate the crisis,” he said.

Some the G20 leaders have expressed their concern as they think the pandemic might further deepen global divisions between the rich and the poor.

"We need to avoid at all costs a scenario of a two-speed world where only the richer can protect themselves against the virus and restart normal lives," said Emmanuel Macron, President of France.