Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent trip to Saudi Arabia marks a significant shift in Canada’s diplomatic approach, as he seeks to strengthen trade and investment relations with a nation previously at the centre of a diplomatic rift over human rights abuses. In a departure from his predecessor Justin Trudeau’s more critical stance, Carney engaged directly with Saudi officials, notably Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to establish the Canada-Saudi Arabia Co-ordination Council, which aims to enhance collaboration across various sectors, including defence and trade.
A New Direction in Diplomacy
Carney’s visit is particularly notable as he becomes the first Canadian prime minister to travel to Saudi Arabia in 26 years. The discussions held in Jeddah on Thursday included the announcement of the reopening of the defence attaché position at Canada’s embassy in Riyadh, a move that underscores a desire for deeper military and economic ties. The Prime Minister articulated his vision for diversifying Canada’s trading partnerships beyond the United States, Canada’s primary economic ally, asserting that “engagement is not endorsement.” This philosophy suggests that while Canada may not align with every action of its partners, constructive dialogue is essential.
“We don’t need to agree with everything that a country is doing to do business with them,” Carney stated during his press conference. His remarks highlight a pragmatic approach to international relations, which he believes will yield tangible benefits through direct engagement rather than distant criticism.
Bilateral Agreements and Investment Opportunities
A significant focus of Carney’s discussions was on a forthcoming foreign investment protection and promotion agreement, expected to be finalised by the end of 2027. This treaty aims to create a framework of legally binding rules that would foster a more secure environment for investors from both nations. Furthermore, Carney revealed that representatives from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund will attend the inaugural Canada Investment Summit in Toronto this September. This event signifies Canada’s intent to attract new investments and explore collaborative opportunities, particularly in light of the recent turmoil in global markets.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is also set to lead a delegation of Canadian pension funds to Saudi Arabia in the coming months, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to building economic ties.
Criticism from Former Officials
Despite the optimism from Carney’s government, not all voices in the political arena are in agreement with this shift. Lloyd Axworthy, a former foreign affairs minister, expressed discomfort with what he described as a “transactional” foreign policy. According to Axworthy, Carney’s approach appears to disregard a long-standing liberal commitment to human rights, a sentiment echoed by many who feel that the Prime Minister is attempting to distance himself from Trudeau’s legacy.
Axworthy remarked, “He keeps wanting to say he’s erasing the Trudeau legacy. Well, it’s not just Justin Trudeau’s legacy; he’s erasing a legacy that goes back a lot of years for a lot of Liberals.” This criticism points to a broader concern about the implications of prioritising economic interests over ethical considerations in foreign policy.
The backdrop to this diplomatic thaw lies in the strained relations initiated in 2018, when Canada openly condemned Saudi Arabia’s treatment of political dissidents, resulting in a severe diplomatic backlash from Riyadh. The kingdom’s historical human rights abuses, further exacerbated by the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, loom large over any discussions. The question remains whether Carney’s engagement can bring about any improvements in these areas or if it merely glosses over deeper issues.
Human Rights Concerns Still on the Table
While Carney has insisted that human rights remain a priority, he was evasive when pressed about whether he raised these issues during his talks with Saudi leaders. Critics, including Axworthy, have underscored the necessity of addressing human rights, particularly concerning women and political dissenters, as part of any constructive dialogue. “Is he going to talk about women’s rights? Is he going to talk about dissenters?” Axworthy queried, highlighting a significant gap that remains in the current administration’s foreign policy communications.
Carney’s comments on engaging with leaders like Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while also fraught with historical complexity, suggest a willingness to navigate controversial waters in pursuit of diplomatic outcomes. However, the lack of a clear, publicly articulated foreign policy framework raises questions about the overarching strategy guiding these engagements.
Why it Matters
As Canada recalibrates its foreign policy under Carney’s leadership, the implications of this strategic pivot reach beyond mere economic interests. The engagement with Saudi Arabia signals a potential departure from a values-driven foreign policy model, prioritising economic partnerships over ethical considerations. This shift invites scrutiny not only from opposition parties and human rights advocates but also from within the Liberal Party itself. The long-term effects of this approach could redefine Canada’s international standing and moral authority, challenging the country’s commitment to championing human rights on the global stage. As the dialogue with Riyadh unfolds, Canadians will be watching closely to see if this new direction yields positive results or if it merely perpetuates a cycle of complicity in human rights violations.
