Canada seeks closer Saudi ties in Carney visit

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada wants closer ties with Saudi Arabia and will not lecture countries “from afar,” during the first visit to the kingdom by a Canadian premier in 25 years.

Carney travelled to Jeddah for talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after the NATO summit in Turkey. The two sides signed agreements aimed at expanding partnerships in areas including energy, critical minerals and artificial intelligence.

Carney framed the trip as part of an effort to diversify Canada's trade ties and reduce reliance on the United States. Asked about re-engaging with Saudi Arabia, he said: “Engagement is not endorsement.”

“Engaging with the country doesn't mean that we agree with everything that a country is doing,” he told reporters.

Canada-Saudi relations soured in 2018 under Carney's predecessor, Justin Trudeau, after Ottawa demanded the release of jailed human rights campaigners. Saudi Arabia expelled the Canadian ambassador and severed trade and investment ties in protest.

Carney's office said he and the crown prince would finalise a deal next year intended to make it easier for Canadian businesses to expand into Saudi Arabia.