Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman invited to G7 summit in Alberta: sources
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been extended an invitation to attend the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, according to two government sources who spoke to CBC News. Bin Salman, also known as MBS, holds significant influence in the Middle East, and his country’s abundant oil resources make Saudi Arabia a pivotal player in potential peace negotiations amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
While Saudi Arabia is not a member of the G7, it is not uncommon for other world leaders to be invited for discussions at the annual summit. The Gulf kingdom has been vocal in its support for a ceasefire in Gaza and the establishment of a Palestinian state. Despite pressure from the United States to normalize relations with Israel, formal ties remain distant.
This is not the first time MBS has been invited to a G7 summit. He was also invited to last year’s gathering in Italy but opted not to attend. However, the decision to invite him this year is likely to draw criticism from human rights activists. The crown prince has faced accusations of involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, although he has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Saudi Arabia has also come under scrutiny for its treatment of dissidents and migrant workers.
In a separate development, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed her attendance at the G7 summit, expressing her intention to engage in discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump. Sheinbaum’s visit comes at a time of strained relations between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., with ongoing trade disputes and economic threats posing challenges to the trilateral relationship.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is optimistic about reaching agreements on trade and tariffs during the summit, with a focus on addressing bilateral issues before discussions on the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) begin. The review of the CUSMA is scheduled to commence in 2026, though Mexican officials anticipate an earlier start.
In addition to G7 leaders, the guest list for the summit includes Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The presence of these global leaders underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing pressing global challenges.
