Riyadh, June 9, 2024 — Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to join at least 12 other heads of state and government at next week’s Group of Seven (G7) summit, as confirmed by officials on Friday. This invitation, extended by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, underscores Italy's effort to expand the dialogue within the G7, traditionally a forum for the world's leading advanced economies including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union.
"The G7 brings together countries that are like-minded regarding fundamental principles and standards, but it is not closed off like a fortress. It opens up to the world," said a senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Scheduled for June 13-15, the summit will be held at Borgo Egnazia, an exclusive resort in Italy's southeastern Puglia region. In addition to the Crown Prince, the confirmed attendees include leaders from India, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Turkey, Algeria, Kenya, and Mauritania.
This summit marks the first international visit for India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his recent electoral victory and for South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa after his party lost its overall majority in recent elections.
In light of ongoing concerns in the Middle East, officials confirmed that both Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah will participate in the discussions. Their attendance highlights the strategic importance of the region and the G7's commitment to broader global engagement.
Additionally, Pope Francis will make a historic appearance at the summit, becoming the first pontiff to attend a G7 meeting. He is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on the risks and opportunities associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The extended guest list reflects Italy's vision for a more inclusive G7, aimed at fostering international cooperation and addressing global challenges. The upcoming summit promises significant discussions on key issues, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among a diverse array of nations.
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