Saudi Crown Prince's Absence Marks BRICS Summit

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will not attend the Russian-hosted BRICS summit. Instead, Saudi Arabia will be represented by its foreign minister. The BRICS group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with recent expansions. Saudi Arabia's decision on joining remains pending amid geopolitical considerations.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to miss the upcoming BRICS summit in Russia, according to Kremlin officials. Representing Saudi Arabia at the event will be the kingdom's foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The BRICS coalition, which initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded its membership to countries like Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Despite an invitation extended to bin Salman, the crown prince will not be attending, though reasons for his absence remain undisclosed.

Saudi Arabia's growing relations with China have raised concerns in Washington. It remains undecided on officially joining the BRICS, a group which represents nearly half the world's population and a significant portion of global oil production and exports.

(With inputs from agencies.)