In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Saudi Arabia on Thursday, marking the first visit by a Canadian prime minister in 26 years. This visit, which included discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aimed to strengthen trade relations and investment opportunities between the two nations, despite longstanding concerns regarding human rights in the kingdom.
A Focus on Engagement Rather Than Condemnation
During his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Carney addressed the complexities of international relations, particularly regarding human rights issues. He stated, “Lecturing countries from afar is an ineffective strategy. It’s satisfying, but it’s ineffective.” This comment came as he faced questions about whether his focus was primarily on economic relations rather than addressing Canada’s criticisms of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
Carney emphasised that while Canada is committed to engaging with nations worldwide, such engagement does not equate to endorsement of all their practices. He asserted the importance of cultivating strategic partnerships globally to prevent excessive reliance on the United States. “We are actively engaging with key partners around the world,” he remarked, highlighting the need for a diversified international strategy.
Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Investment
The prime minister’s visit is part of Canada’s broader initiative to build a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia across sectors such as energy, critical minerals, defence, and infrastructure. Carney’s discussions in Jeddah, a bustling port city on the Red Sea, included meetings with business leaders and culminated in the signing of 13 agreements covering various sectors, including education and artificial intelligence.
Carney noted that, although the private sector has sustained the commercial relationship, there remains significant untapped potential. At the Saudi Arabia-Canada Investment Forum, he stated, “We’ve barely scratched the potential of the relationship, and today is part of the next phase of building up.”
A Landmark Moment for Canada-Saudi Relations
Business leaders from both countries heralded Carney’s visit as a pivotal moment in diplomatic relations. Jeff Steiner, chair of the Canada-Saudi Arabia Business Council, described this visit as a “high-water mark” for bilateral relations, indicating a shift from reconciliation to exploring new opportunities based on rebuilt trust.
The agreements signed during the visit are reportedly valued at around $1 billion, predominantly in U.S. dollars, though this figure has not yet been officially confirmed by Carney’s office. Notable participants in these agreements included Canadian engineering firms, such as Hatch and AtkinsRéalis.
A Glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s Future
In addition to economic discussions, Carney acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, an ambitious economic diversification strategy aimed at reducing the kingdom’s dependence on oil. He drew parallels between Saudi Arabia’s goals and Canada’s efforts to expand trade and modernise infrastructure. “When the world throws you a crisis… you keep focused on your long-term plan,” Carney asserted, reinforcing the importance of strategic foresight in economic planning.
Looking ahead, Carney indicated that a delegation of Canadian pension funds would be returning to Saudi Arabia in the coming months to explore further investment opportunities. He also commended the kingdom’s growing influence in cultural and creative sectors, suggesting that Saudi Arabia is emerging as a hub for global commerce.
Why it Matters
Carney’s visit to Saudi Arabia signifies a crucial turning point in Canada’s foreign policy, balancing the need for economic cooperation with the imperative of addressing human rights issues. As the world grapples with complex geopolitical dynamics, Canada’s approach exemplifies the challenge of fostering international relations while remaining committed to its values. The outcomes of this visit could reshape the landscape of Canadian trade and diplomatic relations in the Middle East, setting a precedent for future engagements.
