Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday restoring diplomatic ties with Canada on the basis of mutual respect and common interests, following a five-year rift upon Ottawa’s attempt to interfere in the Kingdom’s internal affairs.
The decision follows discussions held between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in Bangkok on 18 November, according to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The decision stems from the desire of both sides to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In 2018, Saudi Arabia expelled Canada's ambassador and announced freezing new trade between the Kingdom and Canada over calls by Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Canada's embassy in Riyadh for the immediate release of “civil community activists” who were arrested in the Kingdom.
Canada will appoint Jean-Philippe Linteau as its new ambassador in Riyadh.
