Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Thursday, July 9, 2026 [2].

The visit represents a significant diplomatic reset between Ottawa and Riyadh. It aims to mend strained relations and open new channels for bilateral trade, and investment after decades of distance.

Carney's trip to Saudi Arabia is the first official visit by a Canadian prime minister to the kingdom in 26 years [1]. The itinerary included a meeting and a signing ceremony held at the Saudi Arabia-Canada Investment Forum.

Officials said the discussions focused on deepening trade ties and increasing investment between the two nations. The leaders also used the summit to discuss regional and international developments that affect global stability.

This diplomatic engagement follows a period of cooled relations. The forum in Jeddah served as a platform for business leaders to explore economic cooperation, and for the two governments to align on shared strategic interests.

By prioritizing this visit, Canada is seeking to diversify its economic partnerships. The meeting with the Crown Prince signals a willingness to engage with the Saudi leadership to secure commercial interests and address geopolitical challenges in the Middle East.

“First official visit by a Canadian prime minister to the kingdom in 26 years”

This visit marks a pivot in Canadian foreign policy toward a more pragmatic economic approach with Saudi Arabia. By breaking a 26-year hiatus of prime ministerial visits, Canada is prioritizing trade diversification and regional diplomacy over previous diplomatic frictions, potentially signaling a broader shift in how Ottawa manages its relationships with Gulf states.