Boris Johnson thanks Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for G20 leadership

Saudi Arabia has steered the group’s global response to the pandemic during its presidency

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends a G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. G20 Press Office via AP

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his leadership of the G20 group of nations and its global coronavirus response.

Mr Johnson said he was looking forward to the Group of 20 leaders’ summit, Downing Street said.

Saudi Arabia assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2019. The group brings together leaders of countries from the developed and developing world to boost economic co-operation.

The kingdom is due to host the 15th meeting in November.

The two leaders spoke by phone on Wednesday evening.

Mr Johnson “reiterated the importance of the UK’s close relationship with Saudi Arabia", Downing Street said.

He said Britain was also committed to strengthening trade and investment ties with the kingdom.

Mr Johnson also discussed the situation in Yemen with Prince Mohammed, and support for the work of UN special envoy Martin Griffiths.