his first international speech since the killing of jemele khashoggi. the summit, which is an initiative, is aimed at attracting foreign investment to stimulate growth in the kingdom. the slaying, though, of the "washington post" journalist has seen many international business leaders pull out of the event in protest. let's stay with that future investment initiative which has opened in saudi arabia, despite this growing tension over the murdered journalist. numerous western leaders have pulled out. the saudi crown prince insists the conference has already been a success. reporter: the investment forum dubbed davos in the desert, opened in riyadh on tuesday. despite major fallout over the murder of saudi journalist, jemele khashoggi. and yet seeking to reinsure investors, saudi officials maintain the kingdom is in the midst of a historic transformation. >> our partners are here with us today to continue their journey with us are certainly going to look back and find out how the lessons have been learned from the incident. but at the same time how commit