Saudi Crown Prince MBS Declines Invitation to G7 Summit in Canada

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) will not attend the upcoming G7 Summit in Canada, a senior diplomat told Reuters. While Saudi Arabia is not a G7 member, it often receives guest invitations to the annual event. This year’s summit will take place from June 15–17 in Kananaskis, located in the Canadian Rockies.

The crown prince did not provide an official reason for turning down the invitation. His international travel has been limited in recent years. Last year, he declined to attend the G7 in Italy and postponed a scheduled visit to Japan due to concerns about King Salman’s health.

The Saudi government has not issued a comment in response to media inquiries. Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail first reported MBS’s decision, suggesting that his absence may ease internal tensions within Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party. Some Canadian lawmakers had reportedly objected to MBS being invited due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

MBS, who also serves as Saudi Arabia’s prime minister, has faced ongoing international criticism over the kingdom’s stance on human rights. Saudi officials deny any wrongdoing.

Despite MBS’s absence, leaders from several non-G7 nations—including Ukraine, India, South Korea, South Africa, Australia, Mexico, and Brazil—are expected to attend portions of the summit. U.S. President Donald Trump is also confirmed to be present.

The G7 Summit brings together leaders from the world’s largest advanced economies to discuss global issues including security, economic policy, and climate change. Saudi Arabia’s declining participation may signal continued diplomatic caution amid international scrutiny and regional dynamics.

This development is likely to influence diplomatic optics as Canada navigates its evolving relationship with Saudi Arabia.