Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, widely known by his initials MBS, will be joining a record-breaking number of invitees at the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit. This marks a significant shift for the annual gathering of leading industrialized nations, traditionally a club of established democracies.
The invitation, extended by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, reflects a desire to broaden the G7's focus beyond its core members – the United States, Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan – and engage with key players on the global stage. Notably, this will be the first time a Saudi leader has participated in a G7 summit.
The decision to include MBS has drawn mixed reactions. Proponents argue that dialogue with a major oil producer like Saudi Arabia is crucial for navigating the current global energy crisis. Additionally, they believe engagement can foster progress on issues like climate change and regional stability in the Middle East.
Critics, however, point to Saudi Arabia's human rights record, citing concerns about press freedom, political dissent, and the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. They argue that the invitation sends the wrong message and undermines the G7's commitment to democratic values.
Italian officials have defended the decision, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in addressing complex global challenges. They maintain that the G7 can foster positive change through constructive engagement, even with countries with whom they may not always agree.
The G7 summit, scheduled for next week in the southern Italian region of Puglia, will focus on a range of pressing issues, including the global energy crisis, food security concerns exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, and the ongoing fight against climate change. The inclusion of MBS in these discussions is sure to spark debate, with some hoping for a more collaborative approach to these challenges and others concerned about potential compromises on core values.