Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent journey to Saudi Arabia has stirred significant discussion as he aims to foster stronger trade and investment connections with the kingdom. This marks a notable departure from his predecessor’s stance, which was heavily influenced by human rights concerns and the controversial 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Carney is the first Canadian leader to visit Saudi Arabia in 26 years, signalling a potential thaw in diplomatic relations.
A Historic Meeting in Jeddah
During his visit to Jeddah, Carney engaged in discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, culminating in the establishment of the Canada-Saudi Arabia Co-ordination Council. This new initiative is geared towards enhancing collaboration across various sectors, including defence and trade. Carney emphasised his intention to identify new investment avenues to mitigate Canada’s reliance on the United States, which currently stands as the country’s primary trading partner.
“Engagement is not endorsement,” Carney asserted, reinforcing his belief that diplomatic discussions do not necessitate agreement on every issue. He further elaborated, stating that “lecturing countries from afar is an ineffective strategy”, suggesting a pragmatic approach to international relations.
Strengthening Economic Ties
In a bid to solidify economic connections, Canada plans to reinstate the position of defence attaché at its embassy in Riyadh, with expectations of signing a foreign investment protection agreement by the end of 2027. This treaty aims to provide a framework that safeguards investors from both nations, thereby fostering a more secure environment for capital investments.
Carney announced that representatives from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund would attend the forthcoming Canada Investment Summit scheduled for September in Toronto. Additionally, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is set to lead a delegation to Saudi Arabia to explore investment opportunities, highlighting the government’s commitment to expanding economic relations.
Mixed Reactions to a Pragmatic Policy
The Prime Minister’s transactional approach has not gone unnoticed. Lloyd Axworthy, a former foreign affairs minister, expressed discomfort with Carney’s strategy, characterising it as a departure from a long-standing Liberal tradition that prioritises human rights. “It’s not just Justin Trudeau’s legacy; he’s erasing a legacy that goes back a lot of years for a lot of Liberals,” Axworthy remarked, signalling concerns over prioritising trade over ethical considerations.
The diplomatic relationship between Canada and Saudi Arabia has been fraught with tension since 2018, when Canada’s calls for the release of political activists led to a significant rift, including the expulsion of Canada’s ambassador. The situation escalated following Khashoggi’s murder, which brought global attention to Saudi Arabia’s alleged human rights violations.
The Human Rights Debate
While Carney insists he is committed to human rights, his discussions with foreign leaders remain largely undisclosed. When pressed on whether he addressed human rights issues during his talks with Saudi officials, Carney opted for confidentiality, which has raised eyebrows among critics. Axworthy questioned whether Carney would confront issues such as women’s rights or the treatment of dissidents in his diplomatic engagements.
The former minister highlighted the absence of a clearly defined foreign policy from Carney, noting that much of his position seems to emerge from ad-hoc comments rather than a comprehensive strategy. “We don’t know what his foreign policy is – it comes in a series of off-the-cuff remarks given to reporters outside of Canada,” Axworthy said, reflecting a broader uncertainty about the direction of Canadian foreign affairs under the new Prime Minister.
Why it Matters
Carney’s visit to Saudi Arabia represents a pivotal moment in Canadian foreign policy, as it seeks to balance economic interests with ethical considerations. The establishment of formal ties with a nation often scrutinised for its human rights record raises critical questions about the future of Canada’s international relations. As the government navigates this complex landscape, the implications of prioritising trade over human rights could reshape how Canada is viewed on the global stage. The ongoing dialogue about the effectiveness of engagement versus condemnation will be crucial as Carney’s administration continues to define its approach to foreign policy in an increasingly interconnected world.