Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia marks a significant pivot in Canada’s foreign relations, aiming to deepen economic ties despite a history of tensions over human rights issues. Carney’s discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signal a strategic departure from previous governmental stances, with the establishment of the Canada-Saudi Arabia Co-ordination Council at the forefront of this new approach.
A New Era of Engagement
Carney, who is the first Canadian Prime Minister to visit Saudi Arabia in 26 years, defended his trip as essential for fostering trade and investment opportunities. This engagement strategy is a stark contrast to that of his predecessor, who had openly clashed with the Saudi regime, particularly following the controversial 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
During his discussions in Jeddah, Carney articulated a clear vision: to diversify Canada’s economic partnerships beyond its traditional reliance on the United States. “Engagement is not endorsement,” he stated, emphasising that dialogue does not necessitate agreement with all of a country’s policies. Carney remarked, “Lecturing countries from afar is an ineffective strategy. It’s satisfying, but it’s ineffective.”
Strengthening Economic Ties
Central to Carney’s diplomatic mission is the re-establishment of the defence attaché position at the Canadian embassy in Riyadh, alongside plans to sign a foreign investment protection agreement by the end of 2027. This treaty aims to set legally binding standards for how each nation treats the other’s investors, thereby enhancing certainty for capital investments.
Furthermore, Carney announced that representatives from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund would attend the inaugural Canada Investment Summit in Toronto this September. He also revealed that Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne would soon lead a delegation of Canadian pension funds to seek new investment avenues in Saudi Arabia.
Criticism from Former Officials
However, not all voices are in favour of Carney’s approach. Lloyd Axworthy, a former foreign affairs minister under the Liberal government, expressed unease over what he described as a “transactional” foreign policy. He noted that Carney’s efforts to distance his administration from Justin Trudeau’s legacy risk undermining long-standing principles of Canadian diplomacy. “I find what he’s doing to be quite disturbing,” Axworthy remarked, suggesting that Carney is not just erasing Trudeau’s policies but a broader legacy cherished by many Liberals.
The diplomatic rift between Canada and Saudi Arabia has roots that date back to 2018 when the Saudi government expelled Canada’s ambassador in response to public calls for the release of political prisoners. This incident marked the beginning of a prolonged freeze in trade relations, exacerbated by the aftermath of Khashoggi’s murder, which drew international condemnation and led Canada to impose sanctions on several Saudi nationals.
The Human Rights Dilemma
While Carney professes a commitment to human rights, he has faced scrutiny for his lack of transparency regarding discussions on these issues with Saudi leaders. When pressed about whether he broached the topic of human rights during his meetings, he refrained from disclosing details, citing confidentiality. Axworthy challenged Carney’s approach, questioning whether he would address critical issues such as women’s rights and dissenters during his engagements.
Critics have pointed out that while dialogue is important, it must be accompanied by advocacy for human rights. The historical context of Saudi Arabia’s governance, marked by what many view as transnational repression, complicates these diplomatic overtures.
Why it Matters
Carney’s approach to Saudi Arabia signifies a broader strategy in Canadian foreign policy, one that seeks to balance economic interests with ethical considerations. As Canada navigates its role on the global stage, the effectiveness of this engagement will be scrutinised not only by political rivals but by a public increasingly aware of human rights issues. The outcome of these renewed ties will have lasting implications for Canada’s international reputation and its commitment to advocating for democratic values while pursuing strategic economic partnerships.
