https://arab.news/b9h3w
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman led the Saudi G20 delegation as part of an official state visit to India
- Investments and diplomatic ties featured in fruitful dialogue with Asian, European and Latin American leaders
NEW DELHI: On the sidelines of the G20 leaders’ summit in the Indian capital New Delhi, which drew to a close on Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held bilateral talks with several world leaders and their representatives.
The crown prince was in the city to lead the Kingdom’s delegation at the summit before embarking on an official state visit at the invitation of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which will take in trade talks and a business forum.
The crown prince met Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on Saturday, the parties discussing developments in Saudi-Japanese relations. The nations have enjoyed long-standing cooperation on energy, including hydrogen power.
High-ranking officials from both governments attended the talks, including the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan; National Security Adviser Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban; Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi; Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih; and Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan.
The crown prince held talks with Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister of Bangladesh, on Sunday morning, during which he reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to bolstering relations with the South Asian nation, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The crown prince told of his satisfaction with Saudi Arabia’s many investments in Bangladesh, including the Patenga Container Terminal, the Port of Payra, and ACWA Power’s solar projects across the country. Hasina formally invited the crown prince to visit Bangladesh.
Latin American leaders also sat down with the crown prince on Sunday, including Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez, and Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The crown prince also held talks with Charles Michel, president of the European Council.
Throughout India’s presidency of the G20, Saudi Arabia’s delegations have proactively participated in various meetings covering a wide range of topics, from energy and finance to culture, youth, and women’s empowerment.
India concluded its G20 presidency on Sunday after hosting the leaders and representatives of the 19 permanent members alongside those of nine guest nations and three regional organizations. Brazil is now poised to assume the G20 presidency for 2024.
Upon accepting the ceremonial gavel, Brazil’s President Lula said on Sunday his country’s presidency would prioritize social inclusion and the fight against hunger, along with energy transition, sustainable development, and the reform of global governance institutions.