Canada's Carney defends his visit to Saudi Arabia, slams criticism

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney defended his visit to Saudi Arabia, dismissing criticism from afar. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.

Carney met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on July 9, 2026. During the meeting, a signing ceremony took place between Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

Responding to critics, Carney said improving Canada's relationship with Saudi Arabia is important. He noted that "it's easy to criticize from afar" but real diplomatic work is needed.

A bilateral business forum was held during the visit, where Carney delivered closing remarks. Details of specific outcomes have not been disclosed.

The visit is seen as a sign of warming relations between Canada and Saudi Arabia, which deteriorated in 2018 after Saudi Arabia expelled Canada's ambassador.