The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today handed over the "G20 Gavel" to Italy, which is currently chairing the 17th annual meetings of the G20 2021, in an official handing over ceremony at the Italian Embassy in Riyadh attended by Saudi Sherpa Abdulaziz Al-Rasheed and Italian Chargé d'Affairs Valerio De Parolis. The "G20 Gavel" handing over is a tradition that has been taking place since China's presidency of the G20 in 2016, where the Sherpa of the host country is responsible for handing over the gavel to the next subsequent presidency in an official ceremony. On this occasion, Saudi Sherpa Abdulaziz Al-Rasheed said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia appreciates its partnership with Italy and praises great efforts being exerted by the Italian G20 Presidency. "We affirm our support for our Italian partners in the Troika to hold a successful and important summit. We also look forward to participating in the upcoming G20 meetings and the continued development of the Italian Saudi partnership", he added. The Kingdom presided over the G20 in 2020 and is committed to keeping the momentum of cooperation and solidarity with the Italian presidency towards a strong, sustainable and comprehensive growth.
