Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Skip G-20 Summit in Rio

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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, has opted out of attending the upcoming Group of 20 (G-20) summit in Rio de Janeiro, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The decision appears linked to a chronic ear canal condition that could be aggravated by the 14-hour flight from Riyadh to Rio. The 39-year-old prince has previously experienced prolonged ear blockage and inflammation after long-distance travel, said the source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

The crown prince has a history of canceling overseas trips, including a state visit to Japan earlier this year when his father, King Salman, underwent medical treatment for a lung infection. A Saudi government official declined to comment on his absence from the G-20 summit.

Balancing Health and Diplomacy

While health concerns may be a significant factor, other considerations could also have influenced the decision. The absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the waning tenure of U.S. President Joe Biden, whose term ends in two months, may have reduced the appeal of attending the summit.

MBS has maintained close ties with former President Donald Trump and was one of the first leaders to congratulate him after his recent election victory. The crown prince also shares a strong relationship with Putin, as Saudi Arabia and Russia jointly lead the OPEC+ coalition to manage global oil supplies.

Diplomatic Implications

Prince Mohammed, who also serves as Saudi Arabia’s prime minister, oversees the kingdom's daily affairs due to King Salman’s declining health. His absence from the summit could signal a strategic pivot as Saudi Arabia navigates its relationships with major global players.

During the 2018 G-20 summit in Buenos Aires, Putin famously high-fived the crown prince, underscoring their alliance despite widespread criticism of MBS following the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

While the prince attended last year’s G-20 summit in New Delhi, his decision to skip the Rio meeting may reflect a mix of health concerns and strategic calculations, highlighting his nuanced approach to global diplomacy.