Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives in Saudi Arabia

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Jeddah on Wednesday, marking a significant step in normalizing relations between Canada and Saudi Arabia. This visit is the first by a sitting Canadian prime minister in 26 years and follows a period of strained diplomatic ties after a dispute in 2018.

Carney was welcomed at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Prince Saud bin Mishaal, deputy emir of the Makkah Region, along with Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan and Saudi Ambassador to Canada Amal Al-Mualimi. Canadian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Jean-Philippe Linteau was also present.

During the visit, officials from both nations are expected to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation. The discussions will likely center on expanding collaboration in sectors of mutual interest, aiming to build upon the gradual normalization of relations that has occurred since the 2018 diplomatic incident.