May 24, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – In a major development, Saudi Arabia and Canada announced today that it has been decided to restore the level of diplomatic relations between the two countries to its previous level.
Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement:
“In light of what has been discussed between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in Bangkok on November 18, 2022, and the desire for both sides to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect and common interests; it has been decided to restore the level of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia to its previous level. Canada has appointed a new ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jean-Philippe Linteau.”
The Saudi Press Agency released a statement as well:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces that, in the light of what has been discussed between His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and The Right Honorable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada on the sidelines of the summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in Bangkok on November 18th 2022, and the desire of both sides to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect, and common interests; it has been decided to restore the level of diplomatic relations with Canada to its previous state.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper tweeted, “I am pleased to see Canada and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia restore full diplomatic relations. The Kingdom is a longtime regional partner, one with whom we share many interests. Congratulations to Jean-Philippe Linteau on his appointment as Ambassador.”
Source: Global Affairs Canada & Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saudi Arabia
