Prime Minister Mark Carney has embarked on a significant diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia, seeking to restore and deepen trade relations that had frayed under his predecessor. This marks the first visit by a Canadian prime minister to the kingdom in 26 years, as Carney aims to shift the focus of Canadian foreign policy towards economic engagement, despite the country’s controversial human rights record.
A New Era of Engagement
Carney’s discussions in Jeddah this week with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman culminated in the establishment of the Canada-Saudi Arabia Co-ordination Council. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration in key sectors, including defence and trade. In a clear departure from the approach taken by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who faced backlash for raising human rights concerns, Carney emphasised the importance of economic ties over ideological disagreements.
“Engagement is not endorsement,” Carney stated to reporters, countering criticisms of his approach. “It’s satisfying, but it’s ineffective to lecture countries from afar. If we want to achieve results, we must engage directly.”
Strategic Investment and Defence Initiatives
As part of this renewed engagement, Canada announced the reinstatement of a defence attaché position at its Riyadh embassy, signalling a commitment to strengthen military ties. Furthermore, the government anticipates finalising a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement with Saudi Arabia by the end of 2027. This treaty aims to establish binding guidelines to safeguard investors from both nations, encouraging capital flows in a more secure environment.
Carney also revealed that officials from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund would attend the upcoming Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, while Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is set to lead a delegation to Saudi Arabia to explore further investment opportunities.
Historical Context and Diplomatic Tensions
The backdrop of Carney’s visit is a fraught history between Canada and Saudi Arabia. The diplomatic rift ignited in 2018 when Canada’s then-Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland publicly urged the release of imprisoned political activists, leading to the expulsion of Canada’s ambassador from Riyadh. The situation escalated further following the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, whose brutal murder has since become emblematic of the kingdom’s oppressive tactics.
Despite this contentious past, Carney asserts that a pragmatic approach is necessary. “I care deeply about human rights,” he remarked, “but talking to foreign leaders yields results.” He pointed to his recent engagement with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as an example of how dialogue can lead to positive outcomes.
Criticism from Former Officials
Not everyone is pleased with Carney’s strategy. Lloyd Axworthy, a former foreign affairs minister, has expressed discomfort with what he describes as a “transactional” approach to foreign policy. Axworthy fears that Carney’s actions are erasing a long-standing Liberal commitment to human rights and ethical diplomacy.
“He’s not just changing the Trudeau legacy; he’s undermining a legacy that many Liberals have fought for over decades,” he lamented. Axworthy’s concerns highlight the broader implications of Carney’s pivot away from human rights advocacy in favour of economic pragmatism.
Why it Matters
Carney’s visit to Saudi Arabia represents a pivotal moment in Canadian foreign policy, one that prioritises economic interests amidst ongoing human rights concerns. This controversial shift could redefine Canada’s international relationships, balancing the need for trade with the moral obligations to address issues of oppression and injustice. As the Prime Minister navigates this delicate landscape, the long-term implications of his decisions will resonate well beyond the borders of Canada, potentially reshaping the global narrative surrounding human rights and diplomatic engagement.
