G20 summit opens with Saudi king urging united response to coronavirus

The G20’s member countries represent around 85% of the world’s economic output and three-quarters of international trade.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. Picture: Saudi Press Agency via AP

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has opened the G20 summit as the coronavirus pandemic overshadows this year’s gathering of heads of state.

The crisis has transformed the summit from an in-person two-day meeting of the world’s most powerful leaders to a virtual gathering of speeches and declarations.