Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud said in his opening remarks to G20 leaders on Saturday that they must work towards affordable and equitable access to vaccines and other tools to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Although we are optimistic about the progress made in developing vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics tools for COVID-19, we must work to create the conditions for affordable and equitable access to these tools for all peoples," he said while opening the meeting of the leaders of the 20 biggest world economies.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also addresses the summit via video link.

Under the theme "Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century for All," the virtual event focuses on protecting lives and restoring growth.

Saudi Arabia is the first Arab nation to host a G20 summit.

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(With input from Reuters)

(Cover image: Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud gives a virtual speech during the first session of Shura council, from his place in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, November 11, 2020. /Reuters)