Daijiworld Media Network – Jeddah
Jeddah, Jul 10: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has defended his visit to Saudi Arabia despite the kingdom's human rights record, saying publicly criticising countries from a distance is an ineffective approach and that direct engagement can deliver better results.
Speaking to reporters in Jeddah on Thursday during the first visit by a Canadian prime minister to Saudi Arabia in 26 years, Carney said, "Lecturing countries from afar is an ineffective strategy. It's satisfying, but it's ineffective."
Carney met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of his efforts to strengthen Canada's economic ties beyond its traditional dependence on the United States. The visit comes amid growing trade uncertainties following US President Donald Trump's tariffs and threats to the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.
The Canadian leader stressed that engaging with a country does not mean endorsing all of its policies.
Saudi Arabia has faced international criticism over its human rights record, particularly after the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. A US intelligence assessment concluded that Crown Prince Mohammed likely approved the operation, an allegation Saudi Arabia has denied.
Carney said the global landscape is becoming increasingly uncertain and Canada must broaden its international partnerships and diversify trade and investment opportunities.
The visit marks a shift from the approach adopted by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose government's criticism of Saudi Arabia's human rights record in 2018 led to a five-year diplomatic dispute. Riyadh responded by expelling Canada's ambassador, suspending new trade and investment, and recalling thousands of Saudi students before diplomatic ties were fully restored in 2023.
Reaffirming Canada's commitment to human rights, Carney said he had recently raised a consular case with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the NATO summit, arguing that direct dialogue often produces better outcomes than public criticism.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, who accompanied Carney on the visit, said she also discussed human rights and consular matters with Saudi officials.
During the visit, Carney attended the signing of 13 commercial agreements and memorandums of understanding between Canadian and Saudi companies and institutions. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the deals are valued at more than 1 billion Canadian dollars (about US$710 million).
Saudi Investment Minister Fahad Al-Saif described Canada as a trusted long-term partner and expressed confidence in expanding investment cooperation between the two countries.