Carney Defends Saudi Outreach as Rights Questions Follow Historic Visit
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has defended his decision to deepen engagement with Saudi Arabia despite renewed questions about the Kingdom’s human rights record, arguing that direct diplomacy can achieve more than public criticism delivered from abroad.
Speaking to reporters in Jeddah, Carney said criticizing countries from a distance may be politically satisfying but is often ineffective. He stressed that engaging with another government does not mean Canada endorses all of its policies or actions.
The comments came during the first visit to Saudi Arabia by a Canadian prime minister in 26 years, as Ottawa seeks new trade and investment partners and works to reduce its heavy economic dependence on the United States.
Carney said the world had become more dangerous and divided, making it necessary for Canada to expand its international partnerships. He maintained that sensitive issues, including human rights and consular cases, can be raised more effectively through direct contact with foreign leaders.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, who accompanied Carney during the visit, said she raised human rights concerns and Canadian consular cases in her meetings with Saudi officials.
The visit marked a significant shift from the public confrontation that damaged relations between Ottawa and Riyadh in 2018. Saudi Arabia expelled the Canadian ambassador, suspended new trade and investment and recalled thousands of Saudi students after Canada publicly criticized the Kingdom’s handling of human rights cases. Full diplomatic relations were restored in 2023.
During the visit, Carney met Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and promoted closer cooperation in energy, critical minerals, technology, education and defence. The two countries also announced 13 commercial agreements and memorandums of understanding valued at more than C$1 billion.
Carney’s approach points to a more pragmatic direction in Canadian foreign policy: maintaining dialogue on rights-related concerns while pursuing economic and strategic partnerships in an increasingly uncertain international environment.
