The G20 Summit is underway albeit from TV screens instead of the usual plush destinations the summit of the world’s top economies is known for.
This year’s summit is under the chairmanship of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques of Saudi Arabia.
The leaders at the summit are discussing the dreaded COVID-19 and ways to boost the global economy in spite of the havoc the disease is causing around the world.
Addressing the Virtual Summit on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged G20 members to boost morale for global economic recovery amid COVID-19 by taking joint measures to reduce tariffs, eliminate barriers and facilitate trade.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin arrived at the first-ever G20 Virtual Summit carrying a red folder in his hands. A large TV screen and interpreter were all that the Russian president needed to participate in the online meeting with other world leaders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India urged the G20 leaders to come out with a plan putting the focus on human lives. He urged for a plan to reduce the hardships faced by economically weaker sections of society, strengthening WHO and mitigating economic hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several US lawmakers have asked President Donald Trump to use his influence to coordinate a powerful international response to coronavirus pandemic.