By Julia Rota
In a bold diplomatic gesture, Canada has invited Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to attend the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit, set to take place in the picturesque mountain town of Kananaskis, Alberta. The invitation, reported by Bloomberg, marks a pivotal moment in Canada’s evolving foreign policy under its new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, who appears intent on repairing strained relationships and repositioning Canada as a proactive player on the global stage. This move comes amid a broader effort to engage with influential non-G7 nations, including India and China, as Canada seeks to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
The invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is particularly noteworthy given the turbulent history of Canada-Saudi relations. In 2018, a public dispute erupted when Canada’s then-Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland criticized Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, specifically calling for the release of detained activists. The Kingdom responded swiftly, expelling Canada’s ambassador, recalling its own envoy, and imposing trade restrictions, including halting Saudi investments in Canada and ordering Saudi students to leave Canadian universities. The diplomatic spat, which lasted until relations were restored in 2023, highlighted the challenges of balancing human rights advocacy with economic and strategic interests.
Since the restoration of ties, both nations have taken cautious steps toward reconciliation. The invitation to the G7 summit, a prestigious gathering of the world’s leading industrialized democracies (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States), signals Canada’s willingness to deepen engagement with Saudi Arabia, a key player in global energy markets and a rising power in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Notably, Crown Prince Mohammed was invited to the previous G7 summit hosted by Italy but did not attend, making his potential participation in Kananaskis a closely watched indicator of warming bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau, has adopted a pragmatic and forward-looking approach to foreign policy, contrasting with the more idealistic stance of his predecessor. Carney, a former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, brings a globalist perspective shaped by his extensive experience in international finance and diplomacy. His strategy appears to prioritize dialogue with major global actors, even those with controversial records, to advance Canada’s economic and security interests while fostering stability in a polarized world.
The invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed is part of a broader outreach effort. Carney has also extended a G7 summit invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite ongoing tensions in Canada over allegations of Indian involvement in violent incidents targeting Canadian citizens, particularly within the Sikh community. These allegations, which include claims of extrajudicial actions, have sparked heated debate in Canada and strained bilateral relations. By inviting Modi, Carney is signaling a willingness to engage constructively with India, a rising economic and geopolitical power, while navigating domestic sensitivities.
Additionally, Carney’s recent discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang underscore his commitment to dialogue with nations that have complex relationships with Canada. The talks, which covered trade, the global fentanyl crisis, and efforts to improve bilateral communication, reflect a pragmatic approach to engaging China, a major trading partner despite concerns over issues like human rights and national security. These diplomatic overtures suggest that Carney is seeking to reposition Canada as a mediator and bridge-builder in a world marked by rising tensions and competing alliances.
The G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, is expected to address critical global challenges, including climate change, economic recovery, energy security, and geopolitical conflicts. Inviting leaders from non-G7 countries like Saudi Arabia and India reflects a growing recognition that solutions to these issues require broader international cooperation. Saudi Arabia, as the world’s largest oil exporter and a key player in the OPEC+ alliance, holds significant influence over global energy markets, particularly as the world transitions to cleaner energy sources. Crown Prince Mohammed’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy and promote social reforms, has also positioned the Kingdom as a dynamic force in global affairs.
The inclusion of non-G7 leaders at the summit is not unprecedented but carries symbolic weight. It signals Canada’s intent to foster dialogue between traditional Western powers and emerging global players, potentially reshaping the dynamics of international cooperation. However, the invitations to controversial figures like Crown Prince Mohammed and Prime Minister Modi may spark debate within Canada, where public opinion remains divided on engaging with leaders accused of human rights violations or undemocratic practices.
Geopolitical Implications
The invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed could have far-reaching implications for Canada’s role in the Middle East and beyond. Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance extends beyond energy to include its influence in regional conflicts, such as those in Yemen and Syria, and its rivalry with Iran. By engaging with Saudi Arabia, Canada may seek to secure economic opportunities, such as trade and investment deals, while also positioning itself as a partner in addressing regional stability and energy transitions.
Similarly, Carney’s outreach to India and China reflects Canada’s recognition of the shifting global order, where Asia and the Middle East are increasingly central to economic and geopolitical developments. However, these moves are not without risks. Domestic critics in Canada may argue that engaging with leaders like Mohammed and Modi compromises the country’s commitment to human rights and democratic values. Balancing these concerns with the need for pragmatic diplomacy will be a key challenge for Carney’s government.
