Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia marks a significant departure from Canada’s previous diplomatic stance, as he aims to foster stronger trade and investment links with the kingdom. This first trip by a Canadian prime minister to Saudi Arabia in 26 years comes amid a backdrop of strained relations following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the ongoing concerns about human rights abuses in the region.
A New Era of Engagement
During his time in Jeddah, Carney held discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, leading to the formation of the Canada-Saudi Arabia Co-ordination Council. This new initiative is poised to enhance collaboration in key sectors, including defence and trade. Carney emphasised the importance of diversifying Canada’s trade partnerships, aiming to reduce the nation’s reliance on the United States, its primary trading partner.
“Engagement is not endorsement,” Carney asserted to reporters, reinforcing his belief that one can conduct business without necessarily aligning with a country’s policies or actions. He dismissed the notion that lecturing foreign nations from a distance would yield productive outcomes, stating, “It’s satisfying, but it’s ineffective.”
Strengthening Economic Ties
As part of the renewed diplomatic efforts, Canada plans to re-establish a defence attaché position at its embassy in Riyadh and aims to sign a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement by the end of 2027. This treaty will create legally binding frameworks to protect investors from both nations, providing much-needed clarity for those seeking to invest across borders.
Carney further revealed that representatives from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Pension Investment Fund, are expected to attend his inaugural Canada Investment Summit in Toronto this September. Additionally, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is scheduled to lead a delegation of Canadian pension funds to explore new investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
Concerns Over Transactional Diplomacy
Despite these developments, Carney’s approach has drawn criticism from some quarters. Lloyd Axworthy, a former foreign affairs minister, expressed discomfort with what he describes as a “transactional” foreign policy. Axworthy questioned Carney’s motives, suggesting that the Prime Minister’s efforts to distance himself from the legacy of Justin Trudeau inadvertently undermine a broader historical commitment to human rights that many Liberals have long upheld.
The diplomatic rift between Canada and Saudi Arabia began in earnest after Canada publicly condemned the kingdom for its treatment of political dissidents in 2018. This fallout escalated significantly following the Khashoggi incident, which brought global attention to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
The Human Rights Dilemma
Carney insists that he is committed to human rights, but his willingness to engage with controversial leaders raises pivotal questions. When asked whether he addressed human rights issues during his discussions with Saudi officials, he maintained confidentiality about the specifics. Critics, including Axworthy, are keenly aware of the complexities involved in navigating such discussions, particularly concerning women’s rights and the treatment of dissenters.
“Is he going to talk about women’s rights? Is he going to talk about dissenters?” Axworthy pressed, highlighting the absence of a comprehensive foreign or defence policy from Carney’s government. The lack of transparency surrounding Canada’s international strategy has left many questioning the direction in which Carney intends to lead the country.
Why it Matters
Carney’s overtures to Saudi Arabia signal a pivotal shift in Canada’s foreign policy landscape, one that prioritises economic interests over human rights advocacy. This approach carries significant implications not only for Canada’s international reputation but also for its domestic political landscape. As the Prime Minister navigates these complex waters, the balance between fostering trade and upholding ethical standards will undoubtedly shape the future of Canada’s role on the global stage. The ramifications of this newfound engagement will be closely scrutinised as both supporters and detractors weigh the consequences of such decisions in the years to come.
