Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia marks a significant departure from his predecessor’s approach, as he aims to strengthen trade and investment relations with the kingdom. This move, which has drawn both support and criticism, comes after a lengthy diplomatic freeze following the controversial murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Carney’s discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman focus on establishing a Canada-Saudi Arabia Co-ordination Council to enhance co-operation across various sectors, including defence and trade.
A New Chapter in Canada-Saudi Relations
Carney’s trip to Jeddah, the first by a Canadian prime minister in 26 years, highlights an ambition to diversify Canada’s economic partnerships and reduce its dependence on the United States, its primary trading partner. In a statement to reporters, Carney articulated his stance, asserting that engaging with nations does not equate to endorsing their actions. “Engagement is not endorsement,” he remarked, emphasising the need for practical dialogue rather than remote lecturing on human rights issues.
Key developments from the visit included the re-establishment of a defence attaché position at the Canadian embassy in Riyadh, alongside a commitment to sign a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement by 2027. This treaty is designed to create a stable investment environment for businesses from both countries, fostering a more secure framework for bilateral investment.
Building Economic Bridges
In a clear signal of Canada’s renewed commitment to Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister announced that officials from the Saudi Public Investment Fund would be attending the inaugural Canada Investment Summit in Toronto this September. Furthermore, Canada’s Finance Minister, François-Philippe Champagne, is set to lead a delegation of Canadian pension funds to Saudi Arabia in the coming months to explore new investment avenues.
This strategic pivot is part of Carney’s broader vision for Canada’s foreign policy, which aims to forge new paths for economic growth, especially in light of recent global uncertainties. Yet, this approach has raised eyebrows among critics who question the implications of engaging with a nation historically scrutinised for its human rights record.
Criticism of Transactional Diplomacy
Lloyd Axworthy, a former foreign affairs minister under the Jean Chrétien government, has voiced his discomfort with Carney’s “transactional” foreign policy, suggesting it oversimplifies complex diplomatic relationships. “He keeps wanting to say he’s erasing the Trudeau legacy,” Axworthy stated, cautioning that this pursuit may undermine critical human rights advocacy that has characterised Canadian foreign policy for decades.
The rift in relations between Canada and Saudi Arabia escalated significantly after the Khashoggi incident, which saw Canada impose sanctions on 17 Saudi nationals. The fallout from this event has left a lingering shadow over diplomatic engagements, with many questioning whether Carney’s approach can successfully navigate the delicate balance between economic interests and moral obligations.
The Human Rights Debate
During his visit, Carney acknowledged the importance of human rights but maintained that conversations with foreign leaders can yield tangible outcomes. He referenced a recent dialogue with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that resulted in a positive outcome regarding a Canadian consular case, asserting that such discussions are integral to effective diplomacy.
However, Axworthy and other critics have pressed for clarity on whether human rights issues were addressed during Carney’s talks with Saudi officials. The former minister pointed out the absence of a coherent foreign policy framework from Carney’s government, expressing concern over the lack of transparency regarding Canada’s stance on pivotal issues such as women’s rights and political dissent in Saudi Arabia.
Why it Matters
Carney’s visit to Saudi Arabia signifies a critical juncture for Canadian foreign policy, one that attempts to reconcile economic pragmatism with ethical considerations. As Canada seeks to re-establish itself in the Middle Eastern landscape, the implications of this diplomatic shift will be closely scrutinised both domestically and internationally. The success of this engagement will depend not only on the enhancement of trade ties but also on Canada’s ability to advocate for human rights in a region where such issues remain contentious. Balancing these priorities will be essential as Canada navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.