Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, the first visit by a Canadian leader to the kingdom in 26 years. The trip aims to expand Canada's economic ties and attract investment beyond its significant reliance on the United States.
Carney is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler, on Thursday. He will also participate in the Saudi Arabia-Canada Investment Forum and attend a signing ceremony.
The visit underscores an effort by the Canadian government to diversify trade relationships, particularly in light of actions by U.S. President Donald Trump, including tariffs and threats concerning the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. These actions have highlighted Canada's dependence on its largest trading partner, the U.S.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is actively seeking foreign investment as part of Crown Prince Mohammed's plan to diversify the kingdom's economy, which is heavily dependent on oil.
According to Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, President Trump's "erratic trade and foreign policies" have compelled Carney to seek relationships with other nations in a changing global landscape.
Canada and Saudi Arabia re-established full diplomatic relations in 2023, concluding a period of estrangement that began in 2018. The rift originated when Canada's Foreign Ministry called for the release of jailed women's rights activists. In response, Saudi Arabia expelled Canada's ambassador, recalled its own, froze new trade and investment, sold Canadian assets, and directed thousands of Saudi students in Canada to continue their studies elsewhere. The activists in question have since been released.
In 2018, Crown Prince Mohammed's international standing was affected by the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. A U.S. intelligence assessment declassified in 2021 indicated the crown prince likely authorized the operation.
Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University, noted that the timing of Carney's visit is significant not only for its objective of diversifying trade and attracting foreign investment but also due to the ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East. Béland suggested that trade and security appear to be more pressing concerns for Carney than human rights.
Wiseman, however, commented that Carney is "taking the world as it is," emphasizing that this approach means being realistic about the effectiveness of advocating on human rights issues with authoritarian leaders, rather than disregarding human rights concerns.