Prime Minister Mark Carney this week concluded the first visit by a Canadian prime minister to Saudi Arabia in 26 years, hailing a new phase in bilateral relations as 13 new commercial agreements were signed and the two countries moved past years of strained ties.
Historic Visit and Warm Welcome
Carney arrived in Jeddah on July 9, 2026, where the Saudi royal household's military band performed 'O Canada'—a gesture the prime minister noted had not occurred in over a quarter-century. 'They have not played 'O Canada' for 26 years… And I was very proud,' Carney said, adding that he complimented Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the 'absolutely flawless' rendition. 'I hope that now that they've learned it… they will put it into practice multiple times.'
The warm reception included top Saudi officials greeting Carney on the runway, rows of Saudi armed forces, and Canadian and Saudi flags flying side by side outside the airport. The prime minister met with senior government and business leaders before having lunch with the crown prince at Al-Salam Royal Palace.
13 New Commercial Deals Signed
At the Saudi Arabia-Canada Investment Forum, Carney was joined by cabinet ministers François-Philippe Champagne, Anita Anand, and David McGuinty for a signing ceremony that produced 13 new commercial agreements spanning education, critical minerals, mining, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund committed to attending the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto in September. Canada, in turn, will participate in Expo 2030 in Riyadh, which Carney said will showcase 'the best' of Canada.
'We barely scratched the potential of the relationship,' Carney said in public remarks before the signing ceremony. 'Today is part of the next phase of building out.'
Strained Relations Now Thawing
The visit marks a significant thaw in relations that had been frosty since 2018, when Canada criticized Saudi Arabia's human rights record, prompting Riyadh to expel Canada's ambassador and freeze new trade deals. The new phase signals a pragmatic shift, with both nations focusing on economic opportunities and regional security.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said the trip had two goals: strengthening the bilateral relationship and standing in solidarity with Gulf partners facing 'unjustified attacks by Iran.' This week, a Saudi crude tanker was among targets hit by Tehran in the Strait of Hormuz, and Carney earlier described Iran's actions as 'irresponsible' for violating a ceasefire agreement.
Media Access Restricted
Despite the friendly atmosphere, media access was severely restricted during Thursday's events, with most reporters only able to cover Carney's evening press conference. The limitation highlighted ongoing differences between the two countries' approaches to press freedom.
Anand noted that 'the feeling on the ground here in Saudi Arabia is very much one about seeing Canada as being a supportive partner in these very difficult times.' Carney departed on Friday, leaving with a strengthened economic and diplomatic framework that both sides say is just the beginning of a deeper partnership.
