In a notable departure from the foreign policy stance of his predecessor, Prime Minister Mark Carney has embarked on a diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia aimed at forging stronger trade and investment relationships. Carney’s visit marks the first by a Canadian prime minister to the kingdom in 26 years, signalling a strategic pivot that prioritises economic engagement over past criticisms related to human rights issues, particularly following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
A New Era of Engagement
During his visit on Thursday, Carney met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to establish the Canada-Saudi Arabia Co-ordination Council, an initiative designed to enhance collaboration in vital sectors such as defence and trade. The Prime Minister articulated a vision for diversifying Canada’s economic partnerships, asserting that reliance on the United States, Canada’s largest trading partner, must be reduced.
“Engagement is not endorsement,” Carney remarked to the press in Jeddah. “Just because we engage with a country doesn’t imply agreement with all its actions. Lecturing from a distance is an ineffective approach; it may feel good, but it does not lead to meaningful results.” This statement encapsulates Carney’s pragmatic approach to foreign policy, prioritising dialogue over confrontation.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
As part of this renewed engagement, Canada has announced the reinstatement of the position of a defence attaché at its Riyadh embassy, coupled with plans to sign a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement with Saudi Arabia by the end of 2027. This treaty aims to establish legally binding frameworks governing the treatment of investors, thereby fostering a more secure environment for bilateral investments.
Moreover, Carney revealed that representatives from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund would attend the inaugural Canada Investment Summit in Toronto this September. In a further display of commitment, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is set to lead a delegation of Canadian pension funds to the kingdom in the coming months, exploring new avenues for investment.
Diverging Opinions on Foreign Policy
While Carney’s approach has been framed as a necessary evolution in Canadian diplomacy, it has sparked considerable debate. Lloyd Axworthy, former foreign affairs minister under the Jean Chrétien government, expressed unease regarding what he perceives as a “transactional” foreign policy. “Carney is attempting to distance himself from the Trudeau legacy, but he is also disregarding the foundational principles established by Liberals over many years,” he commented, highlighting concerns about the implications of such a shift.
The diplomatic relationship between Canada and Saudi Arabia has been fraught since 2018 when tensions escalated following Canada’s calls for the release of imprisoned political activists. Riyadh’s subsequent expulsion of the Canadian ambassador and cessation of trade with Canada underscored the rift. This tension deepened further following Khashoggi’s brutal murder, which has left a lasting impact on perceptions of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
The Human Rights Dilemma
Carney has publicly stated his commitment to human rights, yet he faces scrutiny regarding the balance between engaging with nations that have questionable human rights records and advocating for change. When asked whether he raised issues of human rights during his discussions with Saudi officials, Carney opted for confidentiality, a choice that has drawn criticism. Critics, including Axworthy, question whether Carney’s engagement will address pressing issues such as women’s rights and the treatment of dissenters.
The Prime Minister’s stance, however, hinges on the belief that constructive dialogue is essential for influencing change. “If I were to remain in Ottawa and enumerate all the actions by Turkey that I disagree with, I would never have the opportunity for conversation,” he stated, implying that engagement could yield better outcomes.
Why it Matters
Carney’s visit to Saudi Arabia signifies a significant shift in Canada’s diplomatic approach, prioritising economic ties over historical human rights advocacy. As the government seeks to redefine its foreign policy, the implications of this engagement could resonate far beyond trade agreements. It raises critical questions about the moral responsibilities of nations in balancing economic interests with ethical considerations, particularly in dealings with regimes that have a contentious human rights record. The outcome of this diplomatic outreach will be closely scrutinised as Canada navigates its role on the global stage amidst complex geopolitical realities.
