JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Canada reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human rights while pursuing stronger economic and diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s official visit to the kingdom.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed that she raised human rights concerns and discussed specific consular cases involving Canadian citizens during talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
“Engagement does not mean endorsement,” Anand said, emphasizing that Canada’s diplomatic engagement provides an opportunity to promote Canadian values and advocate for human rights on the international stage.
Prime Minister Carney was scheduled to meet Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman later Thursday, marking the first visit by a Canadian prime minister to Saudi Arabia in more than 25 years. The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade, and exploring new investment opportunities between the two countries.
Relations between Canada and Saudi Arabia deteriorated significantly in 2018 after then-Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland publicly called for the release of imprisoned Saudi human rights activists, including Samar Badawi. Saudi Arabia condemned the comments as interference in its internal affairs, expelled Canada’s ambassador, and suspended several diplomatic and economic ties.
Following Badawi’s release in 2021, both countries gradually restored diplomatic relations, with formal normalization beginning in 2023. Carney’s visit is widely seen as an important milestone in rebuilding trust and expanding cooperation.
Jeffrey Steiner of the Canada-Saudi Business Council described the visit as a transition from reconciliation toward a stronger economic partnership, saying both countries are now focused on creating new opportunities for trade and investment.
Canada and Saudi Arabia currently conduct approximately $4 billion in annual bilateral trade, and both governments are seeking to further strengthen commercial and investment ties.
During her visit, Anand also expressed concern over Iran’s actions following the recent ceasefire involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. She criticized continued Iranian activities, including what she described as efforts to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, calling such actions unacceptable and urging all parties to continue negotiations toward a lasting regional ceasefire.
The visit reflects Canada’s effort to balance its commitment to human rights with its broader foreign policy objectives of strengthening international partnerships, expanding economic cooperation, and contributing to stability in the Middle East.