**Canadian PM Visits Saudi Arabia to Strengthen Energy and Mining Partnerships**
**Date: July 9, 2026**
In a significant diplomatic move, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney embarked on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, marking the first such visit in over 25 years. The trip, which took place on July 6, 2026, follows the recent NATO summit held in Turkiye and signals a renewed interest in enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in the sectors of energy and mining.
During his visit, Carney met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where the two leaders discussed various avenues for cooperation. This engagement comes at a time when Canada is seeking to diversify its trade relationships, especially in light of tariffs imposed by the United States under President Donald Trump, which have had a notable impact on the Canadian economy.
The discussions culminated in the signing of 13 new agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Canada and Saudi Arabia, valued at approximately $1 billion. These agreements encompass a wide range of sectors, including health, defense, mining, and energy. Notably, they aim to facilitate the development of Canadian-led mining and clean energy projects within Saudi Arabia.
Carney's agenda also included a meeting with Amin Nasser, the CEO of Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil giant. The talks focused on collaborative efforts in energy, specifically agreements related to liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen production, and carbon capture and storage technologies. Carney's office indicated that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance Canada’s presence in the Saudi energy market.
In addition to government-to-government agreements, Carney announced plans to lead a delegation of Canadian pension funds to explore investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia's energy and artificial intelligence sectors. This move underscores Canada's intent to strengthen its economic ties with the Kingdom and tap into its burgeoning markets.
The visit also represents a thaw in relations between the two countries, which had been strained under Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau. Trudeau's administration had been vocal about human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding the treatment of activists such as Raif Badawi and his sister, Samar. This criticism led to a diplomatic rift in 2018, with Saudi Arabia expelling the Canadian ambassador and significantly reducing trade and investment ties.
Since then, diplomatic relations have gradually improved, culminating in a formal restoration of ties in 2023. Carney addressed the complexities of re-engaging with Saudi Arabia, stating, “Engaging with the country doesn’t mean that we agree with everything that a country is doing.” He emphasized the importance of active engagement with global partners, suggesting that distant lecturing is not an effective diplomatic strategy.
During the visit, Carney was also questioned about ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, particularly in relation to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). While he acknowledged the tensions surrounding these discussions, he remained non-committal about any specific progress, stating, “I’ll keep you posted.”
Carney's visit to Saudi Arabia is poised to reshape the dynamics of Canada-Saudi relations, focusing on economic collaboration while navigating the complexities of human rights and diplomatic engagement. As both nations look to the future, the agreements signed during this visit could pave the way for a more robust partnership in the energy and mining sectors, potentially benefiting both economies in the years to come.