In a significant departure from his predecessor’s approach, Prime Minister Mark Carney has embarked on a diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia, aiming to foster closer trade and investment relations. This visit, notable as the first by a Canadian prime minister to the kingdom in 26 years, underscores a pivot towards pragmatism in Canada’s foreign policy, particularly in navigating complex relationships with nations often scrutinised for human rights violations.
A New Chapter in Canada-Saudi Relations
On Thursday, Carney engaged in discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Royal Palace in Jeddah. The meeting culminated in the establishment of the Canada-Saudi Arabia Co-ordination Council, designed to enhance collaboration across various sectors, including defence and trade.
Carney articulated his vision for diversifying Canada’s economic partnerships, stating that it is crucial for the nation to reduce its reliance on the United States, its primary trading partner. “Engagement is not endorsement,” he emphasised to reporters, arguing that diplomatic relations do not equate to agreement on all matters. His stance reflects a belief that constructive dialogue is essential, even with nations facing criticism for their domestic policies. “Lecturing countries from afar is an ineffective strategy,” he remarked, highlighting the need for direct engagement.
Re-establishing Diplomatic Ties
As part of this renewed approach, Canada announced the reinstatement of a defence attaché position at its embassy in Riyadh, signalling a commitment to strengthening defence relations. Furthermore, negotiations are underway for a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement, intended to provide a robust framework for investment security between the two nations. This treaty aims to assure investors from both countries of fair treatment as they seek opportunities across borders.
Carney also revealed that representatives from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, will participate in the upcoming Canada Investment Summit scheduled for September in Toronto. Additionally, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is expected to lead a delegation of Canadian pension funds to Saudi Arabia in pursuit of new investment avenues.
Criticism from Former Officials
However, Carney’s pragmatic approach has raised eyebrows among former officials. Lloyd Axworthy, who served as Canada’s foreign affairs minister from 1996 to 2000, expressed unease regarding what he perceives as Carney’s “transactional” foreign policy. “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,” Axworthy stated, voicing concerns about the implications of such a shift.
The backdrop to this diplomatic thaw is a fraught history between Canada and Saudi Arabia, which became particularly pronounced after the 2018 expulsion of Canada’s ambassador following criticisms from Global Affairs regarding the kingdom’s human rights record. This diplomatic rupture intensified after the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an incident that not only drew international outrage but also solidified Canada’s stance on Saudi Arabia’s human rights abuses.
Engaging with Complicated Partners
Carney has maintained that discussions about human rights are integral to his foreign policy approach, though he refrained from disclosing specifics about his conversations with Saudi officials. The Prime Minister pointed to a recent dialogue with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as an example of the positive outcomes that can arise from diplomatic engagement, despite Turkey’s own human rights controversies.
However, critics, including Axworthy, question the efficacy of Carney’s strategy. “Is he going to talk about women’s rights? Is he going to talk about dissenters?” Axworthy challenged, highlighting a perceived lack of transparency in Carney’s foreign policy framework. The absence of a formal foreign or defence policy document further complicates the public’s understanding of this new direction.
Why it Matters
Carney’s visit to Saudi Arabia signals a profound shift in Canada’s foreign policy, moving towards a more business-oriented approach that prioritises economic ties over human rights advocacy. This pivot may yield immediate economic benefits, but it also raises ethical questions regarding the implications of engaging with regimes known for their human rights abuses. As Canada seeks to redefine its international relationships, the balancing act between economic interests and moral considerations will be a critical challenge for Carney’s administration moving forward.
