Saudi Arabia hosts the G20 summit Saturday in a first for an Arab nation, but the scaled-down virtual format could limit debate on a resurgent coronavirus pandemic and crippling economic crisis. - 'Digital diplomacy' -In a letter to G20 leaders released Tuesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for "bolder measures" and emphasised that "further debt relief will be required". G20 nations are moving towards unlocking additional funds from the International Monetary Fund for developing nations "soon", Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan told the Financial Times. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a staunch Trump defender, will be present in Saudi Arabia during the summit. - 'Whitewash' -The summit was supposed to be a coming-out party for Saudi Arabia on the world stage.

Source: Mint November 18, 2020 11:48 UTC