Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow is ready to supply its coronavirus vaccine Sputnik to needy countries.

Addressing a virtual summit of G20 nations in the Saudi capital Riyadh, he said the corona virus had caused an economic crisis.

He said that effective and safe vaccines should be available to everyone. The Russian president said that Sputnik is the world's first registered vaccine, while the second vaccine, Epivac Corona, is also ready. The Russian president said a third Russian vaccine was coming soon.

The G20 summit is being hosted by Saudi Arabia. The 15th G20 Summit is hosted via video link.

The leaders of the world's 20 largest economies participating in the conference pledged to ensure equitable distribution of coronavirus vaccines and drugs and to help poorer countries fighting the epidemic.

In his opening remarks at the conference, King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia said, "We are optimistic about the development of coronavirus vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tools, but we must work for low cost and fair access for all."

"This year has been extraordinary," he said. The Corona epidemic caused economic and social damage to the entire world. Efforts are underway with global cooperation to address the Corona crisis.