Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will not attend BRICS Summit in Russia
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced that he will not attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in Russia. His decision comes amid various regional and international commitments, which have made it difficult for the Crown Prince to attend the high-profile meeting in person.
The BRICS Summit, which brings together five major emerging economies—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—was expected to host several world leaders to discuss pressing global issues such as economic cooperation, development, and political diplomacy. Mohammed bin Salman’s absence has raised some questions regarding Saudi Arabia's evolving relationship with BRICS, as the Kingdom was recently invited to join the group in 2023 as part of an expansion effort.
Saudi Arabia's relationship with BRICS is considered significant, especially in terms of economic cooperation. The Kingdom's vast oil reserves, combined with the growing energy demands of BRICS countries, highlight the potential for strategic partnerships. However, Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic and political engagements elsewhere, particularly in the Middle East, seem to have taken precedence for Mohammed bin Salman.
Although the Crown Prince will not be attending, Saudi Arabia will still be represented at the summit. Senior officials from the Kingdom are expected to participate and engage in discussions on behalf of the Crown Prince. This move ensures that Saudi Arabia continues to play an active role in BRICS-related discussions and future collaboration opportunities.
Observers believe that despite his absence, the Crown Prince remains committed to fostering strong relationships with BRICS member nations. His government has shown interest in leveraging the economic and political benefits of joining such international forums, aiming to diversify Saudi Arabia's global partnerships beyond its traditional allies.
The BRICS Summit is scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg, Russia, in the coming weeks. It will focus on key global issues, including economic development, trade partnerships, and geopolitical challenges. Many eyes will be on how the summit proceeds without the physical presence of Mohammed bin Salman and whether his absence will affect Saudi Arabia's future role in BRICS.