Prime Minister Mark Carney has made headlines this week with his visit to Saudi Arabia, marking the first trip by a Canadian prime minister to the kingdom in 26 years. This diplomatic outreach aims to foster stronger trade and investment ties, a notable departure from the previous administration’s confrontational stance over human rights issues, particularly following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Carney’s approach has sparked debate about the implications of engaging with a nation often scrutinised for its human rights record.
A New Chapter in Canada-Saudi Relations
During his visit to Jeddah, Carney held discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, resulting in the establishment of the Canada-Saudi Arabia Co-ordination Council. This initiative seeks to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including defence and trade. Carney emphasised the need for Canada to diversify its economic partnerships beyond its traditional reliance on the United States, stating, “Engagement is not endorsement.” He asserted that while Canada may not agree with every action taken by foreign governments, establishing dialogue is essential for fostering economic growth.
The Prime Minister’s comments reflect a pragmatic approach to foreign policy, suggesting that constructive engagement can yield tangible benefits, even with countries that have controversial reputations. Carney further articulated that “lecturing countries from afar is an ineffective strategy,” indicating a willingness to engage in complex discussions rather than adopting a purely critical stance.
Strengthening Economic Ties
In tandem with diplomatic overtures, Canada is set to re-establish the role of defence attaché at its embassy in Riyadh, signalling a commitment to deepening military and strategic ties. Moreover, the government plans to sign a foreign investment protection agreement with Saudi Arabia by 2027, intended to provide a framework for investor security between the two nations.
Carney announced that representatives from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund will be present at the upcoming Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, highlighting a keen interest in attracting substantial investment from the kingdom. Additionally, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is expected to lead a delegation to Saudi Arabia to explore further investment opportunities, reinforcing the government’s intent to bolster economic relations.
Pushback from Critics
Despite these efforts, Carney’s approach has drawn criticism from various quarters. Lloyd Axworthy, a former foreign affairs minister, expressed discomfort with what he termed Carney’s “transactional” foreign policy. He articulated concerns that the Prime Minister’s actions could undermine a longstanding Liberal legacy of advocating for human rights on the global stage. Axworthy remarked, “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.”
The backdrop to this diplomatic thaw is a fraught history between Canada and Saudi Arabia, originating from the 2018 diplomatic crisis precipitated by Canada’s criticism of the kingdom’s human rights abuses. This rift intensified following Khashoggi’s brutal murder, which has since placed Saudi Arabia at the centre of international scrutiny regarding human rights violations and transnational repression.
Human Rights: A Complicated Conversation
Although Carney has stated his commitment to human rights, he has been reticent about discussing these issues directly with Saudi officials, citing confidentiality in his discussions. Critics, including Axworthy, have questioned the effectiveness of Carney’s strategy and whether critical topics such as women’s rights and political dissent were addressed during his meetings.
The Prime Minister’s assertion that “talking to foreign leaders yields results” raises eyebrows amid evidence of the challenges faced by governments in addressing complex human rights issues while attempting to foster economic ties. As Carney navigates this delicate balance, he faces increasing pressure to define his foreign policy clearly, particularly concerning countries with questionable human rights records.
Why it Matters
Carney’s approach to Saudi Arabia encapsulates a broader debate within Canadian foreign policy: the tension between economic interests and human rights advocacy. As Canada seeks to reposition itself in a shifting global landscape, the implications of engaging with nations like Saudi Arabia will resonate far beyond trade agreements. This diplomatic pivot could redefine Canada’s international image and influence, potentially aligning it more closely with pragmatic, transactional diplomacy at the expense of its historical commitment to advancing human rights. How the government reconciles these competing priorities will be crucial in shaping the future of Canada’s foreign relations.