Prime Minister Mark Carney has embarked on a significant diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia, marking the first visit by a Canadian leader to the kingdom in 26 years. In a bid to strengthen trade and investment relations, Carney’s approach diverges sharply from that of his predecessor, who adopted a more confrontational stance on human rights issues, particularly following the controversial murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Carney’s visit, which included a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to establish the Canada-Saudi Arabia Co-ordination Council, fostering collaboration in key sectors such as defence and trade.
A New Approach to Foreign Relations
During his visit to Jeddah, Carney articulated a clear rationale for engaging with Saudi Arabia, a country long viewed through the lens of its human rights record. He emphasised that building economic partnerships does not equate to an endorsement of a nation’s policies. “Engagement is not endorsement,” Carney remarked, asserting that diplomatic dialogue is a more effective strategy than distant admonishments. This philosophy underpins his administration’s broader objective of diversifying Canada’s trading partnerships beyond its traditional reliance on the United States.
The Prime Minister’s comments reflect a pragmatic approach to international relations, where dialogue, even with controversial regimes, is seen as a pathway to influence and potential change. Carney’s assertion that “lecturing countries from afar is an ineffective strategy” suggests a deliberate pivot towards constructive engagement rather than isolation.
Strengthening Economic Ties
As part of his visit, Carney announced plans to reinstate the role of a defence attaché in the Canadian embassy in Riyadh, signalling a renewed commitment to military and economic collaboration. Additionally, Canada is set to sign a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement with Saudi Arabia by the end of 2027. This treaty aims to create a secure environment for investors from both nations, thereby enhancing trade flows and economic cooperation.
In a further indication of burgeoning ties, officials from Saudi Arabia’s Pension Investment Fund are expected to attend the inaugural Canada Investment Summit in Toronto this September. Meanwhile, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is poised to lead a delegation of Canadian pension funds to Saudi Arabia in search of lucrative investment opportunities. Such moves underscore the Canadian government’s intent to foster deeper economic links with the kingdom.
Criticism from Former Officials
However, Carney’s strategy has not been without its detractors. Lloyd Axworthy, a former foreign affairs minister, expressed discomfort with what he described as Carney’s “transactional” approach to foreign policy. Axworthy contended that this marks a departure from a longstanding Liberal legacy prioritising human rights. He voiced concern that Carney’s efforts to “erase the Trudeau legacy” risk undermining Canada’s principled foreign policy stance built over decades.
The diplomatic rift that began in 2018—when Canada publicly condemned the imprisonment of political activists in Saudi Arabia, leading to the expulsion of its ambassador—has been further complicated by the Khashoggi murder. Freedom House categorises Saudi Arabia as a leading perpetrator of transnational repression, an issue that continues to haunt Canada’s relations with the kingdom. Carney’s willingness to engage with such a regime raises questions about the balance between economic pragmatism and moral responsibility.
Engagement vs. Human Rights Advocacy
During his time in Saudi Arabia, Carney was questioned about whether human rights abuses were addressed in his discussions. He maintained confidentiality regarding the specifics of his conversations, prompting further scrutiny from critics like Axworthy, who called for clarity on whether issues such as women’s rights and freedom of expression were on the agenda. This lack of transparency has led to concerns about the extent to which Canada will advocate for human rights while pursuing economic interests.
Carney’s approach also includes seeking dialogue with other controversial regimes. His recent conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were highlighted as examples of the benefits of engagement. However, conflicting reports regarding previous interactions between Canadian and Turkish leaders complicate this narrative, raising doubts about the effectiveness of Carney’s diplomatic outreach.
Why it Matters
Carney’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks a pivotal moment in Canadian foreign policy, raising critical questions about the balance between economic engagement and adherence to human rights principles. As Canada seeks to diversify its international relationships, the implications of Carney’s approach could redefine the nation’s stance on global human rights advocacy. The Prime Minister’s decisions in this arena will not only shape Canada’s trade landscape but will also influence its reputation on the world stage, prompting ongoing debate about the ethical responsibilities of nations in their diplomatic and economic pursuits.