Canada, Saudi Arabia deepen energy, mining partnerships after years of strain

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has visited Saudi Arabia, seeking to forge stronger partnerships in energy and mining. This state visit, the first in over 25 years, aims to diversify Canada's trade relationships, particularly as the nation navigates economic challenges. The trip resulted in 13 new agreements and memorandums of understanding, valued at $1 billion, spanning health, defense, mining, clean energy, artificial intelligence, liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, and carbon capture.

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Engaging with the country doesn’t mean that we agree with everything that a country is doing.

Carney's visit follows a period of strained relations between Canada and Saudi Arabia. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had been critical of the kingdom's human rights record, leading to diplomatic expulsions and severed trade ties in 2018. Diplomatic relations were restored in 2023, paving the way for this renewed engagement.

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Lecturing countries from afar is an ineffective strategy. It’s satisfying, but it’s ineffective.

Addressing reporters about the decision to re-engage, Carney emphasized a pragmatic approach. "Engaging with the country doesn’t mean that we agree with everything that a country is doing," he stated. "Lecturing countries from afar is an ineffective strategy. It’s satisfying, but it’s ineffective." He also indicated ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, though he offered no specifics on progress amid tensions surrounding the North American Free Trade Agreement.

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I’ll keep you posted