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In a notable departure from previous administrations, Prime Minister Mark Carney has embarked on a mission to strengthen Canada’s economic and diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia. This week, Carney became the first Canadian prime minister in 26 years to visit the kingdom, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Their discussions culminated in the establishment of a Canada-Saudi Arabia Co-ordination Council, aimed at enhancing collaboration across various sectors, including trade and defence.
A New Era of Engagement
Carney’s visit marks a significant shift in Canada’s foreign policy approach towards Saudi Arabia, particularly following the diplomatic rift that ensued after the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. His predecessor faced considerable backlash over human rights issues, leading to a freeze in relations between the two nations. In stark contrast, Carney has made it clear that his administration seeks to foster economic partnerships, stating, “Engagement is not endorsement.” He emphasised that while Canada may not align with all of Saudi Arabia’s policies, the need for economic collaboration is paramount.
During his time in Jeddah, Carney articulated his vision of diversifying Canada’s trade relationships, aiming to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on the United States. He noted, “Lecturing countries from afar is an ineffective strategy,” advocating instead for a more hands-on approach to international relations.
Strengthening Economic Ties
Among the key announcements from Carney’s meeting was the reinstatement of a defence attaché position at the Canadian embassy in Riyadh, signalling an intention to deepen military and strategic cooperation. Furthermore, the Prime Minister indicated that Canada anticipates signing a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement with Saudi Arabia by the end of 2027. This treaty will create legally binding frameworks to assure investors from both nations of fair treatment and protection in their respective markets.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the participation of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund at the upcoming Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, set for September. This summit aims to attract Canadian pension funds to explore investment opportunities within the kingdom, signalling a robust push for bilateral economic engagement.
Critical Voices Emerge
However, not everyone is in favour of Carney’s approach. Lloyd Axworthy, the former foreign affairs minister, expressed discomfort with what he described as a “transactional” foreign policy, suggesting that Carney is distancing himself from the longstanding values championed by the Liberal Party regarding human rights. Axworthy warned that this shift could undermine decades of diplomatic principles, stating, “He’s erasing a legacy that goes back a lot of years for a lot of Liberals.”
The past diplomatic tensions were ignited when Canada publicly called for the release of political activists imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, prompting Riyadh to expel Canada’s ambassador and freeze new trade agreements. The relationship soured even further following the Khashoggi incident, which highlighted Saudi Arabia’s controversial human rights record.
Navigating Human Rights Concerns
While Carney has acknowledged the importance of human rights, he has refrained from detailing his discussions on the subject with Saudi leaders. When pressed about whether he raised human rights issues, he maintained that the specifics of his conversations were confidential. Critics, including Axworthy, have questioned whether Carney is prepared to confront significant human rights violations, such as the treatment of dissenters and issues related to women’s rights in Saudi Arabia.
The Prime Minister defended his stance by pointing to successful outcomes achieved through dialogue, citing a recent conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding a Canadian consular case. However, records indicate that previous Canadian prime ministers have engaged with Erdogan in recent years, suggesting that Carney’s assertion may not reflect the complete picture.
Why it Matters
Carney’s diplomatic pivot towards Saudi Arabia is emblematic of a broader strategy to recalibrate Canada’s foreign relationships in an increasingly multipolar world. While the potential for economic growth and investment is considerable, it raises critical questions about the ethical implications of engaging with regimes known for human rights abuses. The balancing act between economic pragmatism and moral responsibility will likely define Carney’s legacy as he navigates the complex terrain of international diplomacy. As Canada seeks to expand its global footprint, the choices made today will reverberate for years to come, shaping not only the nation’s economic future but also its standing in the realm of human rights advocacy.
