Breaking the Cycle: Canada's New Era of Diplomacy with Saudi Arabia

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has made history with his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, marking the first time a Canadian prime minister has set foot in the country in over 25 years. This pivotal moment signifies a shift in Canada's foreign policy, one that breaks free from the 'cycle of self-righteousness' that has defined the nation's diplomatic approach for far too long.

For years, Canada's foreign policy has been trapped in a pattern of moral absolutism, where the country only engages with nations that mirror its Western moral standards. However, this era of performance-based diplomacy has proven to be ineffective, failing to advance human rights, protect activists, or promote Canadian interests. The diplomatic deep freeze between Canada and Saudi Arabia, which began in 2018, has only served to sideline Canada from the regional power and stability that Saudi Arabia represents in the Middle East.

As a former head of crisis communications for Saudi Aramco, I have had the privilege of living and working in Saudi Arabia, where I have witnessed firsthand the vast differences between the kingdom's perception in the West and the reality on the ground. The kingdom is undergoing a profound transformation under the banner of Vision 2030, an ambitious economic diversification project aimed at reducing the country's dependence on oil. At the heart of this transformation is the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a sovereign wealth behemoth managing over $900 billion in assets.

The PIF is not just a passive investor; it is an active builder of new domestic and global industries, from scratch. The fund is anchoring mega-projects in clean energy, advanced tourism, entertainment, and Artificial Intelligence, positioning Saudi Arabia as a major player in the global economy. Moreover, the kingdom is modernizing at an unprecedented pace, with over 60% of its population under the age of 35. Women are entering the workforce in record numbers, driving, launching businesses, and holding senior corporate and government roles, marking a significant shift in the structural evolution of women's rights in the kingdom.

Effective diplomacy is about engagement, not endorsement. It requires the maturity to sit at the table with regional powers, even when there are profound disagreements. The Western perception of Saudi Arabia is often outdated, and it is essential to recognize the progress that has been made. As a woman who has lived in Saudi Arabia, I can attest to the fact that the kingdom is safer than many Western cities, with women enjoying a level of freedom and equality that is often misunderstood.

The implications of this new era of diplomacy between Canada and Saudi Arabia are far-reaching. It marks a significant shift in Canada's foreign policy, one that prioritizes engagement and cooperation over moral absolutism. As the world grapples with the challenges of the 21st century, from climate change to economic inequality, it is essential that nations like Canada and Saudi Arabia work together to address these global issues. By breaking free from the cycle of self-righteousness, Canada can play a more effective role in promoting human rights, protecting activists, and advancing Canadian interests.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Carney's visit to Saudi Arabia marks a new era of diplomacy between the two nations. It is a recognition that effective diplomacy requires engagement, not endorsement, and that Canada's foreign policy must adapt to the changing global landscape. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is essential that nations like Canada and Saudi Arabia work together to address the challenges of the 21st century.