Prime Minister Mark Carney used an unusual lull at U.S. President Donald Trump’s hastily organized peace summit in Egypt to strengthen Canada’s economic and diplomatic links with Gulf nations.
According to a senior government official, the meeting of world leaders — convened to discuss postwar plans for Gaza — turned into a rare moment of candid exchanges when Trump’s hours-long delay left participants together without the usual formalities. The discussions, described as “frank and personal,” touched on both regional stability and expanded trade opportunities.
On the sidelines, Carney held talks with top officials from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, among others, underscoring Canada’s interest in deepening its relationships in the Persian Gulf.
The last-minute nature of the summit meant Carney’s team scrambled to attend, even chartering a private plane after Canadian military aircraft were unavailable. Canadian journalists, who typically accompany the prime minister on international trips, were left behind entirely — limiting immediate press access to the high-level talks.