Jeddah: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney began a visit to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, marking the first visit in 26 years aimed at expanding economic ties and diversifying trade partnerships.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Saudi Foreign Ministry announced that Carney was welcomed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, where an official reception ceremony was held. The Saudi state news agency SPA reported that both sides reviewed aspects of bilateral relations and explored opportunities for development across multiple sectors, as well as regional and international developments.
Saudi Arabia and Canada signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint coordination council to serve as a platform to advance bilateral relations. Additionally, two more MoUs were signed to establish a Saudi-Canadian cooperation council and in the field of energy.
A statement from Carney's office highlighted that the two leaders discussed leveraging Canadian expertise to drive innovations in health and medicine, support renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage, and use artificial intelligence to improve and save lives. Canada and Saudi Arabia signed two memoranda of understanding on energy and AI to boost this cooperation.
Carney acknowledged Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy, which has led to substantial investments in infrastructure, tourism growth, and advancements in health and technology. The Canadian premier emphasized Canada's commitment to building a stronger partnership with Saudi Arabia, founded on mutual trust, pragmatic cooperation, and a focus on generating benefits for both nations.
The two leaders welcomed the MoU to establish the Canada-Saudi Arabia Coordination Council, aimed at bolstering cooperation across key defense, economic, trade and investment, cultural, educational, scientific, and consular priorities. Carney also condemned Iran's recent attacks on Gulf countries and reaffirmed Canada's support for the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of countries in the region, stressing the need for de-escalation, civilian protection, and advancing diplomatic efforts for regional stability and security.
This visit is notably the first by a Canadian prime minister to Saudi Arabia since 2000. Carney assumed office as premier in March 2025. On May 24, 2023, Saudi Arabia and Canada restored diplomatic relations following a five-year rift between the two nations.
The visit occurs as Canada seeks to diversify trade and attract investment amidst tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump and his threats regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is working to attract more foreign investment as part of Crown Prince bin Salman's initiative to diversify the kingdom's economy and reduce its reliance on oil.