In a significant shift from previous administrations, Prime Minister Mark Carney has embarked on a mission to strengthen trade and investment relations with Saudi Arabia. This visit marks the first time a Canadian prime minister has set foot in the kingdom in 26 years, signalling a departure from the confrontational stance taken by his predecessor over human rights issues, particularly following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Carney met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, where they established the Canada-Saudi Arabia Co-ordination Council aimed at enhancing collaboration in defence and trade sectors.
A New Era of Engagement
During his visit, Carney articulated a pragmatic approach towards international relations, emphasising the need for Canada to diversify its economic partners beyond its primary ally, the United States. “Engagement is not endorsement,” he asserted, clarifying that fostering business ties with countries does not necessitate agreement on their internal policies. His remarks underscore a belief that direct dialogue can yield beneficial outcomes, even with nations where human rights records are contentious.
In a notable move, Canada plans to reinstate the position of defence attaché at its embassy in Riyadh, a step that reflects a reinvigoration of diplomatic channels. Furthermore, the government anticipates signing a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement with Saudi Arabia by the end of 2027. This treaty aims to set clear, legally binding guidelines for investor treatment, intended to bolster confidence amongst Canadian investors eyeing opportunities in the kingdom.
Controversy and Critique
However, Carney’s approach has not been without criticism. Lloyd Axworthy, a former foreign affairs minister, expressed discomfort with what he perceives as a “transactional” foreign policy that disregards long-standing Liberal values. Axworthy’s concerns highlight a broader unease among some political observers regarding the implications of Carney’s diplomatic strategy. The legacy of strained relations with Saudi Arabia, exacerbated by the Khashoggi incident and subsequent sanctions on 17 Saudi nationals, looms large over this new engagement.
The diplomatic rift initiated in 2018, when Canada publicly called for the release of political prisoners in Saudi Arabia, resulted in Riyadh expelling the Canadian ambassador and freezing trade agreements. The assassination of Khashoggi, which brought to light the kingdom’s aggressive suppression of dissent, has further complicated any attempts at reconciliation.
Balancing Human Rights and Diplomacy
Carney has maintained that addressing human rights issues remains a priority. Yet, he refrained from confirming whether he raised these topics during his discussions with Saudi officials, citing confidentiality. This lack of transparency has led critics like Axworthy to question the Prime Minister’s commitment to advocating for human rights while pursuing economic interests.
The Prime Minister pointed to his recent conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as an example of effective engagement, despite previous tensions between Canada and Turkey. However, discrepancies in the timeline of diplomatic interactions suggest that Carney may be overstating his claims.
Why it Matters
Carney’s strategic pivot towards Saudi Arabia signifies a potentially transformative moment for Canada’s foreign policy, as it seeks to redefine its global relationships in a complex geopolitical landscape. By prioritising economic ties with nations often viewed as pariahs in the human rights arena, the Prime Minister is navigating a delicate balance between moral obligations and economic pragmatism. As Canada steps into this uncertain terrain, the long-term implications for its international reputation and influence will undoubtedly unfold in the coming years.