Canadian PM visits Saudi Arabia to strengthen energy, mining partnerships

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney conducted a state visit to Saudi Arabia, representing the first such visit in more than a quarter-century. The visit followed the NATO summit in Turkey and reflected Ottawa's strategic effort to diversify trade relationships amid US tariff pressures affecting the Canadian economy.

During the visit, Canadian and Saudi officials finalized multiple agreements spanning mining, energy, artificial intelligence, health, and defense sectors. The two nations signed 13 agreements and memorandums of understanding collectively valued at $1 billion, with additional accords expected to be completed in the coming year.

The energy component of the partnership includes collaborative initiatives on liquefied natural gas, hydrogen development, and carbon capture and storage technologies. Carney met with Amin Nasser, chief executive of Saudi Aramco, to advance these energy sector partnerships. Additionally, Canadian mining companies will pursue development opportunities in Saudi Arabia's mining and clean energy sectors.

Carney announced plans to lead a delegation of Canadian pension funds to invest in Saudi Arabia's energy and artificial intelligence industries, signaling substantial financial commitment to the bilateral relationship. These developments represent a marked departure from the strained relations that characterized the previous Canadian administration.

Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had publicly criticized Saudi Arabia's human rights record, particularly regarding treatment of activists including writer Raif Badawi and his sister Samar. In response, Saudi Arabia expelled Canada's ambassador and severed trade and investment ties in 2018. When questioned about re-engagement, Carney stated that engaging with nations does not require agreement with all their policies, characterizing direct engagement as more effective than distant criticism.