Canadian Prime Minister visits Saudi Arabia to boost energy and mining ties

Canadian senior official Mark Carney met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Monday, signaling a concerted effort to revive and expand bilateral cooperation after a period of strained relations during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s tenure. The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including trade, investment, and joint initiatives in clean‑energy technology, and agreed to establish a high‑level working group to coordinate future projects. The meeting follows a series of diplomatic overtures by Ottawa aimed at addressing concerns that had previously limited engagement, such as human‑rights criticisms and divergent foreign‑policy positions.

Analysts note that the renewed dialogue reflects a broader shift in Canada’s approach toward the Kingdom, seeking to balance economic interests with ongoing advocacy on governance matters. Both parties expressed optimism that the new framework will facilitate greater private‑sector collaboration, particularly in renewable‑energy ventures and infrastructure development, while maintaining channels for constructive discussion on contentious topics. The outcome is expected to lay the groundwork for a more stable and mutually beneficial partnership moving forward.