Canada Seeks Closer Saudi Ties, Will Not Lecture From Afar

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday that Canada wants closer economic ties with Saudi Arabia and will not lecture the kingdom about rights from afar. Carney flew to Jeddah from a NATO summit in Turkey for talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two sides signed agreements aimed at expanding cooperation in energy, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence.

Background on relations Relations between the two countries deteriorated in 2018 after Canada publicly called for the release of jailed human rights activists. Saudi Arabia responded by expelling the Canadian ambassador and cutting trade and investment links.

Carney described the current visit as part of an effort to diversify Canada's trade partnerships and reduce reliance on the United States. He said engagement does not equal endorsement of every policy. "Lecturing countries from afar is an ineffective strategy.

It's satisfying, but it's ineffective," Carney told reporters. Carney's office said the prime minister and the crown prince will finalize an agreement next year to ease market access for Canadian companies. Carney also said he would provide updates on separate trade talks with the United States.