ISTANBUL

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney began a visit to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, the first of its kind in 26 years, as part of Ottawa's efforts to expand its economic relations and diversify its trade partnerships.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a post on the American company X platform that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Carney at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia, where an official reception ceremony was held.

Carney's visit, who assumed office in March 2025, is the first by a Canadian prime minister to Saudi Arabia since Jean Chrétien's visit in 2000.

On May 24, 2023, Saudi Arabia and Canada announced the restoration of diplomatic relations to their previous level, after about five years of a crisis between the two countries.

The visit comes as Canada works to diversify its trade and attract investments, amid US President Donald Trump's tariffs and his threats regarding the trade agreement between the US, Mexico, and Canada, highlighting Ottawa's heavy reliance on Washington, its largest trading partner.

In contrast, Saudi Arabia is seeking to attract more foreign investments as part of a plan led by the Crown Prince to diversify the kingdom's economy and reduce its dependence on oil.

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