Prime Minister Mark Carney has embarked on a significant diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia, marking the first visit by a Canadian prime minister to the kingdom in 26 years. This trip represents a notable shift from the previous administration’s approach, which was characterised by vocal criticism of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, particularly following the high-profile assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Carney’s visit signals a desire to bolster trade and investment ties, aiming to reduce Canada’s economic dependence on its southern neighbour, the United States.
A New Era in Canada-Saudi Relations
During his visit, Carney engaged in talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, resulting in the establishment of the Canada-Saudi Arabia Co-ordination Council. This initiative aims to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including defence and trade. Emphasising a pragmatic approach, Carney stated, “Engagement is not endorsement,” asserting that establishing business relations does not necessitate agreement on all issues.
The Prime Minister’s comments reflect a broader strategy to navigate complex foreign relations. “Lecturing countries from afar is an ineffective strategy,” he noted, pointing towards a more direct method of fostering dialogue. This approach appears to align with Carney’s goal of seeking fresh investment opportunities and diversifying Canada’s economic partnerships.
Strengthening Economic Ties
As part of this renewed focus on cooperation, Canada plans to re-establish the position of defence attaché within its Riyadh embassy, a move that underscores an intent to deepen military and defence collaboration. Furthermore, both nations are expected to finalise a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement by 2027, designed to create a more stable environment for investors. This treaty aims to set legally binding standards for the treatment of investors, enhancing mutual confidence in cross-border investments.
In a bid to attract Saudi investment, Carney announced that representatives from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund will attend the upcoming Canada Investment Summit in Toronto. Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is also set to lead a delegation to the kingdom in search of new economic opportunities.
Criticism of a Transactional Foreign Policy
Despite the promising developments, Carney’s approach has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly from former Liberal foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy. Axworthy expressed discomfort with what he termed Carney’s “transactional” foreign policy, warning that it risks overshadowing a legacy built on principled diplomacy. “He keeps wanting to say he’s erasing the Trudeau legacy,” Axworthy remarked, highlighting concerns that this shift may undermine longstanding Liberal values.
Relations between Canada and Saudi Arabia soured significantly following the 2018 diplomatic row, sparked by Canada’s calls for the release of political prisoners. The fallout escalated further after Khashoggi’s murder, which brought global attention to Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations.
While Carney insists he remains committed to human rights, the specifics of his discussions with Saudi leaders on such issues remain confidential. This opacity raises questions about the depth of Canada’s engagement with Saudi Arabia beyond economic considerations.
The Broader Geopolitical Context
Carney’s diplomatic efforts come at a time when Western nations are grappling with the complexities of engaging with authoritarian regimes. The Prime Minister’s recent interactions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, amidst strained relations following an arms export controversy, further illustrate his willingness to engage with leaders whose policies may not align with Canadian values.
However, the Prime Minister’s assertion that dialogue can yield results is met with scepticism. Critics argue that without a clear foreign policy framework, the government’s approach risks appearing inconsistent and reactive rather than strategic.
Why it Matters
The implications of Carney’s visit to Saudi Arabia extend beyond mere economic interests; they reflect a broader recalibration of Canada’s foreign policy in an increasingly multipolar world. By prioritising trade and investment over human rights advocacy, Carney is challenging the traditional diplomatic norms that have guided Canadian foreign relations for decades. This shift may open new economic doors for Canada but also raises critical questions about the ethical dimensions of engaging with nations that have questionable human rights records. As Canada navigates this complex landscape, the balance between economic pragmatism and principled diplomacy will be crucial in shaping its future global standing.