Crown Prince MBS Cancels G20 Summit Trip, Cites Health Issues And Travel Woes

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) will not attend the upcoming G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next week. A Bloomberg report, citing an unnamed source, confirmed the decision, stating that the prince is unable to undertake the 14-hour flight due to a chronic ear canal condition. The ailment has caused MBS to experience ear blockages and inflammation after long-distance flights in the past, and it has previously led him to cancel trips, including a planned visit to Japan earlier this year.

The G20 Summit, scheduled for November 18-19, is set to be the largest event in Rio since the 2016 Olympic Games. While the absence of MBS is notable, another significant absence is that of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is also skipping the summit.

MBS and Putin have shared a close relationship, particularly due to their cooperation as leading oil producers. At the 2018 G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, the two leaders exchanged a high-five, a moment that stood out as MBS faced international scrutiny following the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. With both leaders absent, the dynamics of the summit may shift, as their partnership is a key component of global oil discussions.