Canada seeks stronger partnership with Saudi Arabia during Carney visit

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has signaled a new direction in his country’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, saying Canada wants to strengthen cooperation with the kingdom through dialogue rather than public criticism. His visit marks the first trip by a Canadian prime minister to Saudi Arabia in 25 years and reflects Ottawa’s effort to expand international partnerships beyond its traditional allies.

Carney arrived in Jeddah after attending the NATO summit and held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the visit, both sides signed a series of agreements aimed at increasing cooperation in key sectors including energy, critical minerals and artificial intelligence. Canadian officials said the agreements are expected to create new opportunities for businesses and encourage greater economic cooperation between the two countries.

The visit represents a major shift from the approach taken by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Relations between Canada and Saudi Arabia deteriorated sharply in 2018 after the Canadian government publicly called for the release of imprisoned Saudi human rights activists, including relatives of blogger Raif Badawi. Saudi Arabia responded by expelling Canada’s ambassador and suspending trade and investment ties, creating one of the most serious diplomatic disputes between the two countries in recent years.

Carney defended his decision to rebuild relations, saying that engaging with another country does not mean supporting every policy or action taken by its government. He argued that maintaining direct communication is often more effective than criticizing governments from a distance. According to Carney, meaningful discussions are better held through diplomacy and personal meetings rather than public statements that may damage long term relations.

The Canadian prime minister said strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia is also part of a wider strategy to reduce Canada’s economic dependence on the United States. He explained that Canada has become too reliant on a single trading partner and is now working to build stronger relationships with important economies in different regions of the world. Expanding international trade and investment has become one of the central goals of his government.

Officials from Carney’s office said both countries plan to finalize a new agreement next year that would make it easier for Canadian companies to invest and operate in Saudi Arabia. The proposed arrangement is expected to improve business opportunities and encourage closer commercial links as Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy through major development projects.

During his visit, Carney was also questioned about Canada’s ongoing trade discussions with the United States, including negotiations related to the future of the North American free trade framework. Reports have suggested that talks have reached a difficult stage, particularly in discussions involving US President Donald Trump. Carney declined to provide details on the negotiations but indicated that updates would be shared when progress is made.

Observers see Carney’s visit as an attempt to balance Canada’s economic interests with its commitment to democratic values and human rights. While the government has not abandoned those principles, it appears to be placing greater emphasis on direct diplomatic engagement instead of public confrontation. Supporters believe this approach could help rebuild trust while allowing Canada to continue raising sensitive issues through private discussions.

The visit highlights Canada’s broader effort to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and develop partnerships with influential regional powers. As global trade patterns continue to change, Ottawa hopes closer cooperation with countries such as Saudi Arabia will open new markets for Canadian businesses and reduce the risks of relying too heavily on any single economic partner.