Leaders speak at the virtual G20 summit

Saudi Arabia's King Salman opened the pandemic and preparedness side event at the G20 virtual summit on Saturday.

"The pandemic has demonstrated that international cooperation is the optimal way to overcome crises," said King Salman, "We must focus on the most vulnerable segments. We must provide support for all countries of the world. For we would not be safe until everyone is safe."

King Salman said the top priority was to ensure affordable and equitable access to the vaccine and diagnostic tools for all.

Giuseppe Conte, Italian Prime Minister addressed the side event and said; "We need targeted investments aimed at strengthening health care systems worldwide while supporting environmental and social resilience and avoiding further economic disruption."

Alberto Fernandez, President of Argentina, affirmed that cooperation and solidarity are the two key elements to fight the pandemic.

Moon Jae-In, President of South Korea, said during the event his country would work in partnership with the international community to put a complete end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We will marshal the forces to develop and distribute vaccines and treatments that everyone is longing for," he said.

(Image Credit: AP)