Saudi Arabia's King&nbsp;Salman&nbsp;bin Abdulaziz on Wednesday called for a comprehensive solution on Iran and disarming its affiliate Hezbollah in Lebanon, and expressed support for US&nbsp;efforts to start talks between Israel and the Palestinians during his first address to the United Nations General Assembly.

King&nbsp;Salman&nbsp;said Iran has exploited a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers "to intensify its expansionist activities, create its terrorist networks, and use terrorism," adding that this had produced nothing but "chaos, extremism, and sectarianism."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-scraps-israel-economic-boycott-after-us-brokered-deal-323997">UAE scraps Israel economic boycott after US-brokered deal</a>

"A comprehensive solution and a firm international position are required," he told the 193-member General Assembly in a video statement, prerecorded due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The United States quit the Iran nuclear pact in 2018 with President Donald Trump dubbing it the "worst deal ever." Washington has since imposed unilateral sanctions and asserts that all countries also have to reinstate UN&nbsp;sanctions in an attempt to push the Islamic Republic to negotiate a new deal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-iran-conflict-a-high-stakes-bet-on-who-blinks-first-274636">US-Iran conflict: A high-stakes bet on who blinks first</a>

But all the remaining parties to the nuclear deal, including longtime US&nbsp;allies, and 13 of the 15 UN&nbsp;Security Council members say the US&nbsp;claim on UN&nbsp;sanctions is void and diplomats say few countries are likely to reimpose the measures.

"Our experience with the Iranian regime has taught us that partial solutions and appeasement did not stop its threats to international peace and security," King&nbsp;Salman&nbsp;said.

On attempts to mediate peace between Israel and the Palestinians, the Saudi monarch said a 2002 Arab peace initiative is the basis for a "comprehensive and just solution" ensuring the Palestinians obtain an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-world-reacted-to-the-israel-uae-peace-agreement-320602">How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement</a>

"We support the efforts of the current US&nbsp;administration to achieve peace in the Middle East by bringing the Palestinians and the Israelis to the negotiation table to reach a fair and comprehensive agreement," he said.

The king stopped short of endorsing recent US-brokered agreements by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to establish ties with Israel. Saudi Arabia has quietly acquiesced to the deals but has signaled it is not ready to take action itself.

Palestinian leaders have condemned the UAE and Bahrain's warming of relations with Israel, describing it as a betrayal of their efforts to win statehood in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.

King&nbsp;Salman&nbsp;also said a deadly blast in Lebanon's Beirut port last month "occurred as a result of the hegemony of Hezbollah ... over the decision-making process in Lebanon by force of arms."

"This terrorist organization must be disarmed," he said.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Wednesday called for a comprehensive solution on Iran and disarming its affiliate Hezbollah in Lebanon, and expressed support for US efforts to start talks between Israel and the Palestinians during his first address to the United Nations General Assembly.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Wednesday called for a comprehensive solution on Iran and disarming its affiliate Hezbollah in Lebanon, and expressed support for US efforts to start talks between Israel and the Palestinians during his first address to the United Nations General Assembly. King Salman said Iran has exploited a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers "to intensify its expansionist activities, create its terrorist networks, and use terrorism," adding that this had produced nothing but "chaos, extremism, and sectarianism." Also read: UAE scraps Israel economic boycott after US-brokered deal "A comprehensive solution and a firm international position are required," he told the 193-member General Assembly in a video statement, prerecorded due to the coronavirus pandemic. The United States quit the Iran nuclear pact in 2018 with President Donald Trump dubbing it the "worst deal ever." Washington has since imposed unilateral sanctions and asserts that all countries also have to reinstate UN sanctions in an attempt to push the Islamic Republic to negotiate a new deal. Also read: US-Iran conflict: A high-stakes bet on who blinks first But all the remaining parties to the nuclear deal, including longtime US allies, and 13 of the 15 UN Security Council members say the US claim on UN sanctions is void and diplomats say few countries are likely to reimpose the measures. "Our experience with the Iranian regime has taught us that partial solutions and appeasement did not stop its threats to international peace and security," King Salman said. On attempts to mediate peace between Israel and the Palestinians, the Saudi monarch said a 2002 Arab peace initiative is the basis for a "comprehensive and just solution" ensuring the Palestinians obtain an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Also see: How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement "We support the efforts of the current US administration to achieve peace in the Middle East by bringing the Palestinians and the Israelis to the negotiation table to reach a fair and comprehensive agreement," he said. The king stopped short of endorsing recent US-brokered agreements by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to establish ties with Israel. Saudi Arabia has quietly acquiesced to the deals but has signaled it is not ready to take action itself. Palestinian leaders have condemned the UAE and Bahrain's warming of relations with Israel, describing it as a betrayal of their efforts to win statehood in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. King Salman also said a deadly blast in Lebanon's Beirut port last month "occurred as a result of the hegemony of Hezbollah ... over the decision-making process in Lebanon by force of arms." "This terrorist organization must be disarmed," he said.

UNGA 2020: Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah must be 'disarmed', says Saudi King Salman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the growth in India’s bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia with the crown King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Wednesday during a telephonic conversation.

PM Modi discusses bilateral ties with Saudi King Salman over phone call

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation on Wednesday with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman.

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Spoke on phone with His Majesty <a href="https://twitter.com/KingSalman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KingSalman</a> about the important role being played by the G20 under the Saudi Presidency, including against COVID-19. We also reviewed the tremendous growth in our bilateral ties in recent years.
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The two leaders exchanged views on the global challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic and&nbsp;reviewed the work of the G20 countries.

The Prime Minister's Office said Modi expressed his appreciation for the leadership provided by Saudi Arabia during its ongoing presidency of the G20 grouping.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-chair-saudi-arabia-accepts-pm-modis-call-for-meet-via-video-conference-over-coronavirus-287105">G20 chair Saudi Arabia accepts PM Modi's call for meet via video conference over coronavirus</a>

He also expressed "special thanks" to King Salman for the support provided to Indian expatriates by the Saudi authorities during the pandemic.

The two leaders agreed that the initiatives taken at the level of the G20 had helped in promoting a coordinated response to the pandemic.

They also discussed the main priorities presently on the agenda of the G20, it said.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the state of bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia, and committed to further strengthening cooperation in all areas, the PMO said.

Modi conveyed his warm wishes for the good health and well-being of King Salman, other members of the royal family of Saudi Arabia and all citizens of the kingdom.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation on Wednesday with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. Spoke on phone with His Majesty @KingSalman about the important role being played by the G20 under the Saudi Presidency, including against COVID-19.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation on Wednesday with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. Spoke on phone with His Majesty @KingSalman about the important role being played by the G20 under the Saudi Presidency, including against COVID-19. We also reviewed the tremendous growth in our bilateral ties in recent years. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2020 × The two leaders exchanged views on the global challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic and reviewed the work of the G20 countries. The Prime Minister's Office said Modi expressed his appreciation for the leadership provided by Saudi Arabia during its ongoing presidency of the G20 grouping. Also read: G20 chair Saudi Arabia accepts PM Modi's call for meet via video conference over coronavirus He also expressed "special thanks" to King Salman for the support provided to Indian expatriates by the Saudi authorities during the pandemic. The two leaders agreed that the initiatives taken at the level of the G20 had helped in promoting a coordinated response to the pandemic. They also discussed the main priorities presently on the agenda of the G20, it said. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the state of bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia, and committed to further strengthening cooperation in all areas, the PMO said. Modi conveyed his warm wishes for the good health and well-being of King Salman, other members of the royal family of Saudi Arabia and all citizens of the kingdom.

PM Modi speaks to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, discusses G20, coronavirus

Encouraging the United States' efforts to establish peace in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has told US President Donald Trump that they wanted a fair and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue based on kingdom's Arab Peace Initiative, proposed in 2002, according to the state news agency.&nbsp;

In a telephonic conservation with Trump, Salman appreciated US peace initiatives, in a reference to Washington-brokered accord achieved last month, according to which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became the third country to normalise relations with Israel.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peace-must-be-achieved-with-palestinians-then-all-things-possible-saudi-arabia-on-israel-321749">Peace must be achieved with Palestinians, then all things possible: Saudi Arabia on Israel</a>

Salman said Saudi seeks a fair and permanent solution for Palestine which is based on the based on the kingdom's peace initiatives proposed in 2002.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-emir-tells-kushner-two-state-solution-needed-to-end-palestine-israel-conflict-324831">Qatar Emir tells Kushner two-state solution needed to end Palestine-Israel conflict</a>

As per the 2002 proposal, Arab nations would normalise ties with Israel, if the Jewish nation withdraws from the territorial gains made in the 1967 war.&nbsp;

Despite not recognising Israel, Saudi Arabia this month said the kingdom would allow the use of its airspace to run flights between UAE and Israel.&nbsp;

Post the peace accord between UAE and Israel, no Arab state has hinted of a similar deal with the Jewish state.

Last month, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is seen as a major negotiator of the decades-old Arab crisis, met Saudi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where they discussed the need to resume negotiations between Israel and Palestine.&nbsp;

(With Reuters inputs)

Encouraging the United States' efforts to establish peace in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has told US President Donald Trump that they wanted a fair and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue based on kingdom's Arab Peace Initiative, proposed in 2002, according to the state news agency.

Encouraging the United States' efforts to establish peace in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has told US President Donald Trump that they wanted a fair and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue based on kingdom's Arab Peace Initiative, proposed in 2002, according to the state news agency. In a telephonic conservation with Trump, Salman appreciated US peace initiatives, in a reference to Washington-brokered accord achieved last month, according to which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became the third country to normalise relations with Israel. Also read | Peace must be achieved with Palestinians, then all things possible: Saudi Arabia on Israel Salman said Saudi seeks a fair and permanent solution for Palestine which is based on the based on the kingdom's peace initiatives proposed in 2002. Also read | Qatar Emir tells Kushner two-state solution needed to end Palestine-Israel conflict As per the 2002 proposal, Arab nations would normalise ties with Israel, if the Jewish nation withdraws from the territorial gains made in the 1967 war. Despite not recognising Israel, Saudi Arabia this month said the kingdom would allow the use of its airspace to run flights between UAE and Israel. Post the peace accord between UAE and Israel, no Arab state has hinted of a similar deal with the Jewish state. Last month, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is seen as a major negotiator of the decades-old Arab crisis, met Saudi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where they discussed the need to resume negotiations between Israel and Palestine. (With Reuters inputs)

Want permanent, fair solution to Palestinian issue: Saudi King to Trump

&nbsp;Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sacked two royals and referred them along with four military officers for investigation into corruption at the defence ministry in a royal decree issued early on Tuesday and carried by state media.

The decree said Prince Fahd bin Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Saud would be removed as commander of joint forces in the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, and his son Prince Abdulaziz bin Fahd relieved of his post as deputy governor of al-Jouf region.

It said the decision was based on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s missive to the anti-corruption committee to investigate “suspicious financial transactions at the defence ministry”.

After becoming heir to the throne in 2017 in a palace coup that ousted his predecessor, Prince Mohammed launched an anti-corruption campaign that saw scores of royals, ministers and businessmen detained at Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton hotel. Most were released after reaching undisclosed settlements with the state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israeli-delegation-lands-in-abu-dhabi-on-historic-flight-324286">Also read:&nbsp;US-Israeli delegation lands in Abu Dhabi on historic flight</a>

The young prince has made fighting corruption a pillar of his reforms. Critics saw the purge as a power grab by the crown prince, who has moved to sideline any rivals to his eventual succession to the throne, take control of the country’s security apparatus and crack down on dissent.

Authorities wound down the Ritz campaign after 15 months but said the government would continue to go after graft by state employees. In March, authorities arrested nearly 300 government officials, including military and security officers, on charges involving bribery and exploiting public office.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-says-many-more-secret-talks-with-arab-leaders-324135">Also read:&nbsp;Israel PM says 'many more' secret talks with Arab leaders</a>

Before becoming commander of joint forces in the coalition, Prince Fahd was commander of the Royal Saudi Ground Forces, paratroopers units and special forces, according to Saudi daily Arab News. His father was a former deputy minister of defence.

The decree said the crown prince designated Lieutenant Gen. Mutlaq bin Salem bin Mutlaq Al-Azima to replace Prince Fahd.

The coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015 against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement that ousted the Saudi-backed government from power in Sanaa. The conflict, seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has been in military stalemate for years.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sacked two royals and referred them along with four military officers for investigation into corruption at the defence ministry in a royal decree issued early on Tuesday and carried by state media.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sacked two royals and referred them along with four military officers for investigation into corruption at the defence ministry in a royal decree issued early on Tuesday and carried by state media. The decree said Prince Fahd bin Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Saud would be removed as commander of joint forces in the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, and his son Prince Abdulaziz bin Fahd relieved of his post as deputy governor of al-Jouf region. It said the decision was based on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s missive to the anti-corruption committee to investigate “suspicious financial transactions at the defence ministry”. After becoming heir to the throne in 2017 in a palace coup that ousted his predecessor, Prince Mohammed launched an anti-corruption campaign that saw scores of royals, ministers and businessmen detained at Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton hotel. Most were released after reaching undisclosed settlements with the state. Also read: US-Israeli delegation lands in Abu Dhabi on historic flight The young prince has made fighting corruption a pillar of his reforms. Critics saw the purge as a power grab by the crown prince, who has moved to sideline any rivals to his eventual succession to the throne, take control of the country’s security apparatus and crack down on dissent. Authorities wound down the Ritz campaign after 15 months but said the government would continue to go after graft by state employees. In March, authorities arrested nearly 300 government officials, including military and security officers, on charges involving bribery and exploiting public office. Also read: Israel PM says 'many more' secret talks with Arab leaders Before becoming commander of joint forces in the coalition, Prince Fahd was commander of the Royal Saudi Ground Forces, paratroopers units and special forces, according to Saudi daily Arab News. His father was a former deputy minister of defence. The decree said the crown prince designated Lieutenant Gen. Mutlaq bin Salem bin Mutlaq Al-Azima to replace Prince Fahd. The coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015 against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement that ousted the Saudi-backed government from power in Sanaa. The conflict, seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has been in military stalemate for years.

Saudi king sacks two royals under defence corruption probe

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman(MBS) has&nbsp;waged a Twitter war against his former crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef. The ammo of choice is Nayef's aide and former intelligence&nbsp;official, Saad al-Jabri.

It's been three years since the Saudi Palace coup, but it looks like crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is not yet done removing all possible opponents.&nbsp;

Mohammed bin Nayef is a member of the Saudi royal family. He is 60 years old.&nbsp;Nayef is the grandson of Saudi Arabia's founding monarch, King Abdulaziz that means he is a cousin of Mohammad bin Salman.

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Nayef was appointed crown prince by King Salman in April 2015,&nbsp;back then he was already serving as the interior minister of Saudi Arabia.

Two years later, he was asked to step aside and make way for his cousin&nbsp;Mohammad bin Salman.&nbsp;Nayef also lost the interior ministry&nbsp;while at the office&nbsp;Nayef was seen as the most pro-US leader. He played a major role in Saudi Arabia's internal security policies and was called 'the prince of counter-terrorism' for his crackdown on Al Qaeda.

He is a prominent member of the Saudi royal family and&nbsp;enjoys support at home and abroad both factors&nbsp;do not go down too well with Mohammad bin Salman. The crown prince has cracked down on any leader who he views as a threat to his power. The clampdowns have been rather ruthless&nbsp;and Shakespearean.

There was no way a leader as prominent as bin Nayef was going to be an exception. Mohammed al Nayef was detained in March.

No one knows where he is currently being held. MBS' men have been trying to dig dirt on Nayef. They seem to have found a sheep in former intel officer Saad al-Jabri.

He is a friend of Bin Nayef, and he is currently in exile in Canada. According to reports, Jafri led a network of officials who misspent $11 billion in government money. The money was from the interior ministry fund. Experts say Saudi authorities want to accuse bin Nayef of being involved in Jabri's alleged corruption.

Bin Nayef was the interior minister, so Saudi authorities want to prove that the money was misspent under al Nayef's watch. &nbsp;There are documents to prove either Jabri's or Al-Nayef's involvement in the alleged corruption.

MBS is trying his best to sway the public opinion against the two men.&nbsp;Tweets with the hashtag 'the fugitive Saad al Jabri' and 'saad al jabri's corruption' picked pace over the weekend.&nbsp;Questions were raised on Al Nayef's loyalty to the kingdom.

Experts have pointed out that the campaign was being led by pro-government Twitter users.&nbsp; MBS has been trying to quash all possible opposition ahead of the upcoming November polls. He fears Donald Trump's loss. Democratic nominee Joe Biden has promised to make MBS pay for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

He has also vowed to end arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Therefore, putting Al Nayef behind the bars is part of Mohammad bin Salman's forward planning.

In case Trump loses, and there could be global pressure against MBS, he can continue to remain in power by removing every possible opposition and nipping counter-coups in the bud.&nbsp;King Salman's brother&nbsp;prince Ahmed bin Abdelaziz is in detention and&nbsp;al-Nayef, who was long seen as an heir to the throne, is the new target.

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman(MBS) has waged a Twitter war against his former crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef. The ammo of choice is Nayef's aide and former intelligence official, Saad al-Jabri.

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman(MBS) has waged a Twitter war against his former crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef. The ammo of choice is Nayef's aide and former intelligence official, Saad al-Jabri. It's been three years since the Saudi Palace coup, but it looks like crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is not yet done removing all possible opponents. Mohammed bin Nayef is a member of the Saudi royal family. He is 60 years old. Nayef is the grandson of Saudi Arabia's founding monarch, King Abdulaziz that means he is a cousin of Mohammad bin Salman. Nayef was appointed crown prince by King Salman in April 2015, back then he was already serving as the interior minister of Saudi Arabia. Two years later, he was asked to step aside and make way for his cousin Mohammad bin Salman. Nayef also lost the interior ministry while at the office Nayef was seen as the most pro-US leader. He played a major role in Saudi Arabia's internal security policies and was called 'the prince of counter-terrorism' for his crackdown on Al Qaeda. He is a prominent member of the Saudi royal family and enjoys support at home and abroad both factors do not go down too well with Mohammad bin Salman. The crown prince has cracked down on any leader who he views as a threat to his power. The clampdowns have been rather ruthless and Shakespearean. There was no way a leader as prominent as bin Nayef was going to be an exception. Mohammed al Nayef was detained in March. No one knows where he is currently being held. MBS' men have been trying to dig dirt on Nayef. They seem to have found a sheep in former intel officer Saad al-Jabri. He is a friend of Bin Nayef, and he is currently in exile in Canada. According to reports, Jafri led a network of officials who misspent $11 billion in government money. The money was from the interior ministry fund. Experts say Saudi authorities want to accuse bin Nayef of being involved in Jabri's alleged corruption. Bin Nayef was the interior minister, so Saudi authorities want to prove that the money was misspent under al Nayef's watch. There are documents to prove either Jabri's or Al-Nayef's involvement in the alleged corruption. MBS is trying his best to sway the public opinion against the two men. Tweets with the hashtag 'the fugitive Saad al Jabri' and 'saad al jabri's corruption' picked pace over the weekend. Questions were raised on Al Nayef's loyalty to the kingdom. Experts have pointed out that the campaign was being led by pro-government Twitter users. MBS has been trying to quash all possible opposition ahead of the upcoming November polls. He fears Donald Trump's loss. Democratic nominee Joe Biden has promised to make MBS pay for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. He has also vowed to end arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Therefore, putting Al Nayef behind the bars is part of Mohammad bin Salman's forward planning. In case Trump loses, and there could be global pressure against MBS, he can continue to remain in power by removing every possible opposition and nipping counter-coups in the bud. King Salman's brother prince Ahmed bin Abdelaziz is in detention and al-Nayef, who was long seen as an heir to the throne, is the new target.

Saudi Arabia's new Game of Thrones: MBS wages Twitter war against Mohammed bin Nayef

Over the past few months, the world as we know it has undergone drastic changes. coronavirus pandemic has completely transformed our lives – from the way we educate our children to the way we work and conduct business.

One such sphere greatly affected by COVID-19 is diplomacy, a profession which involves a fair amount of travel, physical meetings. The way diplomacy is conducted was scuppered by travel restrictions, border closures and shelter-in-place orders.

As the novel coronavirus spread globally, leaders hunkered down at home and diplomats had to adapt to working from home and hold virtual meetings.

Among the world leaders, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads in rankings in terms of true reach as calculated by klear. com. The Indian prime minister reaches on average 40 million followers or 70 per cent of his followers with his tweets while US President Trump reaches 24 per cent of his followers.&nbsp;

Narendra Modi: 40.8 mn true reach, 70% of total followers 
Donald trump: 20.3 mn true reach, 25% of total followers 
PMO India: 16 mn true reach, 45% of total followers 
Imran khan: 7.5 mn true reach, 64% of total followers 
Joko Widodo: 6.5 mn true reach, 48% of total followers

Trump with 81.1mn, 33% follower growth, leads among the most followed leaders in 2020. Indian PM Modi has 57.9mn followers with 21% followers growth.

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Pope Francis: 51.2mn, 6% 
PMO India: 35.9mn, 23% 
President Trump: 30.2mn, 17% 
The white House: 22.8mn, 23% 
Turkish President Erdogan: 16.1mn, 17% 
Joko Widodo: 13.8mn, 20% 
Imran khan: 11.8mn, 22%

Trump is also the most effective world leader&nbsp;on Twitter as each one of his tweets garners on average 24,000 retweets which is slightly better than Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who garners 23,573 retweets per tweet.

Over the past few months, the world as we know it has undergone drastic changes. coronavirus pandemic has completely transformed our lives – from the way we educate our children to the way we work and conduct business.

Over the past few months, the world as we know it has undergone drastic changes. coronavirus pandemic has completely transformed our lives – from the way we educate our children to the way we work and conduct business. One such sphere greatly affected by COVID-19 is diplomacy, a profession which involves a fair amount of travel, physical meetings. The way diplomacy is conducted was scuppered by travel restrictions, border closures and shelter-in-place orders. As the novel coronavirus spread globally, leaders hunkered down at home and diplomats had to adapt to working from home and hold virtual meetings. Among the world leaders, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads in rankings in terms of true reach as calculated by klear. com. The Indian prime minister reaches on average 40 million followers or 70 per cent of his followers with his tweets while US President Trump reaches 24 per cent of his followers. Narendra Modi: 40.8 mn true reach, 70% of total followers Donald trump: 20.3 mn true reach, 25% of total followers PMO India: 16 mn true reach, 45% of total followers Imran khan: 7.5 mn true reach, 64% of total followers Joko Widodo: 6.5 mn true reach, 48% of total followers Trump with 81.1mn, 33% follower growth, leads among the most followed leaders in 2020. Indian PM Modi has 57.9mn followers with 21% followers growth. Pope Francis: 51.2mn, 6% PMO India: 35.9mn, 23% President Trump: 30.2mn, 17% The white House: 22.8mn, 23% Turkish President Erdogan: 16.1mn, 17% Joko Widodo: 13.8mn, 20% Imran khan: 11.8mn, 22% Trump is also the most effective world leader on Twitter as each one of his tweets garners on average 24,000 retweets which is slightly better than Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who garners 23,573 retweets per tweet.

PM Modi leads in 'true reach' of leaders worldwide in Twiplomacy: Study

Saudi Royal family meets Khashoggi's kin

President Donald Trump made an undiplomatic remark about close ally Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, saying he warned Saudi Arabia’s King Salman he would not last in power “for two weeks” without the backing of the US&nbsp;military.

“We protect Saudi Arabia. Would you say they’re rich. And I love the King, King Salman. But I said ‘King - we’re protecting you-you might not be there for two weeks without us - you have to pay for your military,’” Trump said to cheers at a rally in Southaven, Mississippi.

Trump did not say when he made those remarks to the Saudi monarch.

Despite the harsh words, the Trump administration has had a close relationship with Saudi Arabia, which it views as a bulwark against Iran’s ambitions in the region.

Trump made Saudi Arabia his first stop on his maiden international trip as president last year.

Trump called King Salman on Saturday and they discussed efforts being made to maintain supplies to ensure oil market stability and global economic growth, according to Saudi state news agency SPA.

Saudi Arabia is the world’s top oil exporter and the de facto leader of OPEC, which has been criticized by Trump for high oil prices.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month, Trump said OPEC members were “as usual ripping off the rest of the world.”

“We defend many of these nations for nothing, and then they take advantage of us by giving us high oil prices. Not good. We want them to stop raising prices, we want them to start lowering prices,” Trump said.

He has also pressed other US&nbsp;allies, such as Japan, South Korea and Germany, to take more of the financial burden of their defense.

President Donald Trump made an undiplomatic remark about close ally Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, saying he warned Saudi Arabia’s King Salman he would not last in power “for two weeks” without the backing of the US military.

President Donald Trump made an undiplomatic remark about close ally Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, saying he warned Saudi Arabia’s King Salman he would not last in power “for two weeks” without the backing of the US military. “We protect Saudi Arabia. Would you say they’re rich. And I love the King, King Salman. But I said ‘King - we’re protecting you-you might not be there for two weeks without us - you have to pay for your military,’” Trump said to cheers at a rally in Southaven, Mississippi. Trump did not say when he made those remarks to the Saudi monarch. Despite the harsh words, the Trump administration has had a close relationship with Saudi Arabia, which it views as a bulwark against Iran’s ambitions in the region. Trump made Saudi Arabia his first stop on his maiden international trip as president last year. Trump called King Salman on Saturday and they discussed efforts being made to maintain supplies to ensure oil market stability and global economic growth, according to Saudi state news agency SPA. Saudi Arabia is the world’s top oil exporter and the de facto leader of OPEC, which has been criticized by Trump for high oil prices. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month, Trump said OPEC members were “as usual ripping off the rest of the world.” “We defend many of these nations for nothing, and then they take advantage of us by giving us high oil prices. Not good. We want them to stop raising prices, we want them to start lowering prices,” Trump said. He has also pressed other US allies, such as Japan, South Korea and Germany, to take more of the financial burden of their defense.

I told Saudi king he wouldn't last without US support: Trump

Saudi King Salman has arrived in Moscow on the first-ever visit by a Saudi monarch to Russia.

As part of the four-day trip that began today, the king is to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks expected to focus on the global oil market and the Syrian crisis.

Ties between the two countries often have been strained in the past. The war in Syria, in which Russia has staunchly backed Syrian President Bashar Assad while Saudi Arabia has supported his foes, has fueled tensions.

Relations have begun to improve in recent years. A thaw between Moscow and Riyadh helped reach November&#39;s deal in which OPEC and 10 other oil-producing countries, including Russia, agreed to cut their production in a bid to combat a supply glut.&nbsp;

Saudi King Salman has arrived in Moscow on the first-ever visit by a Saudi monarch to Russia

Saudi King Salman has arrived in Moscow on the first-ever visit by a Saudi monarch to Russia. As part of the four-day trip that began today, the king is to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks expected to focus on the global oil market and the Syrian crisis. Ties between the two countries often have been strained in the past. The war in Syria, in which Russia has staunchly backed Syrian President Bashar Assad while Saudi Arabia has supported his foes, has fueled tensions. Relations have begun to improve in recent years. A thaw between Moscow and Riyadh helped reach November's deal in which OPEC and 10 other oil-producing countries, including Russia, agreed to cut their production in a bid to combat a supply glut.

Saudi king arrives in Moscow on historic visit to Russia

Saudi Arabia&#39;s King Salman issued a decree Thursday setting up a new security agency for the oil-rich kingdom which will be overseen by him directly, the SPA news agency said.

The new agency, which will be headed by intelligence chief General Abdel Aziz bin Mohammed al-Houeiriny, would manage several departments of the interior ministry, the state-run SPA said.

The department of intelligence and the units tasked with fighting terrorism would work under the authority of the new agency.

King Salman also issued a series of royal decrees on Thursday, including one sacking the head of the royal guard, General Hamad al-Awhaly, and replacing him with General Suheil al-Mutiri.

He also appointed Mohammed bin Abdullah al-Qweiz as the new head of the Saudi stock exchange.

The latest decisions come nearly a month after King Salman ousted his nephew as crown prince and installed his son Mohammed bin Salman, 31, as his successor.

The new agency will be overseen directly by Saudi Arabia's King Salman

Saudi Arabia's King Salman issued a decree Thursday setting up a new security agency for the oil-rich kingdom which will be overseen by him directly, the SPA news agency said. The new agency, which will be headed by intelligence chief General Abdel Aziz bin Mohammed al-Houeiriny, would manage several departments of the interior ministry, the state-run SPA said. The department of intelligence and the units tasked with fighting terrorism would work under the authority of the new agency. King Salman also issued a series of royal decrees on Thursday, including one sacking the head of the royal guard, General Hamad al-Awhaly, and replacing him with General Suheil al-Mutiri. He also appointed Mohammed bin Abdullah al-Qweiz as the new head of the Saudi stock exchange. The latest decisions come nearly a month after King Salman ousted his nephew as crown prince and installed his son Mohammed bin Salman, 31, as his successor.

Saudi Arabia sets up state security agency