Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has defended his official visit to Saudi Arabia, arguing that publicly condemning other nations from a distance is an “ineffective strategy.” Speaking to reporters in Jeddah on Thursday, July 9, 2026, Carney emphasized that while international engagement does not equate to total agreement, it remains a more practical approach than distant lecturing. This trip marks the first visit to the kingdom by a Canadian leader in 26 years.
During the visit, which included meetings with the kingdom’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Prime Minister highlighted the necessity of diversifying Canada’s economic partnerships. Amid ongoing concerns regarding U.S. tariffs and threats to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, Carney argued that Canada must look beyond its reliance on the United States as the world becomes increasingly divided and dangerous. He noted that he remains deeply committed to human rights, citing a recent private conversation on the matter with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as evidence that direct engagement yields better results than public distance.
The current diplomatic stance marks a clear departure from the policy of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose 2018 public criticism of Saudi Arabia triggered a five-year diplomatic rift that saw the expulsion of Canada’s ambassador and a suspension of trade. Relations were only fully restored in 2023. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, who joined the Prime Minister on the trip, confirmed that she also raised human rights and consular concerns during her official meetings.
The visit also focused on strengthening economic ties, with the Prime Minister attending a ceremony for 13 commercial agreements and memorandums of understanding. These deals, involving Canadian firms such as Hatch and AtkinsRéalis, are valued at over 1 billion Canadian dollars, or approximately 710 million U.S. dollars. Saudi Arabia is currently pursuing its own ambitious economic diversification plan under the Crown Prince, moving the kingdom away from its traditional reliance on oil.
Reflecting on the strategy, University of Toronto professor emeritus Nelson Wiseman observed that Carney is prioritizing realism in his foreign policy. “Carney says he is taking the world as it is,” Wiseman noted, adding that the approach is about being pragmatic regarding what can be achieved with authoritarian leaders. The Prime Minister is scheduled to return to Canada on Friday.
“Because I was with the president, it was addressed favorably. If I sat in Ottawa … I wouldn’t have had that conversation. I wouldn’t have had that impact. That’s a small example,” Carney said.
