Saudi Arabia, Canada renew full diplomatic ties

Saudi Arabia and Canada have agreed to re-establish full diplomatic relations.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday that in light of what had been discussed between Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, it has been decided to restore the level of diplomatic relations with Canada to its previous state.

This development follows discussions held between the two leaders on the sidelines of the summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum  held in Bangkok on November 18 last year.

Saudi Arabia had suspended diplomatic ties and halted trade and investment dealings with Canada in 2018. The move came following a statement released by the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the arrest of a women’s rights activist.

Saudi Arabia and Canada to appoint ambassadors

The foreign ministry said in a statement that the decision was made based on the two sides’ wishes to restore ties on the basis of mutual respect and common interests.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces that in light of what has been discussed between HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, it has been decided to restore the level of diplomatic relations with Canada to its previous state. pic.twitter.com/zrPmhjskz7

— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) May 24, 2023

The countries will appoint new ambassadors and renew diplomatic talks.

Canada and Saudi Arabia to appoint new ambassadors

Read the statement: https://t.co/eRRInRpkyZ pic.twitter.com/5jHx8KmEkR

— Foreign Policy CAN (@CanadaFP) May 24, 2023

According to a statement by Global Affairs Canada, the country has appointed Jean-Philippe Linteau as the new ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Photo courtesy: WAM