Saudi Arabia and Canada announced a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding signed in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Jeddah on Thursday.
The signing followed talks between the two sides and an official reception for Carney, the first Canadian prime minister to visit Saudi Arabia in 25 years.
The following questions, answers and background explain the Joint Action Document and the establishment of the Saudi-Canadian Coordination Council, both referenced in the joint statement issued after the leaders’ meeting, based on explanations provided to Asharq Al-Awsat by informed sources.
What is the Joint Action Document?
According to the sources, the Joint Action Document will serve as the overarching framework for bilateral cooperation.
It is intended to bring together the priority areas of cooperation for the next phase, with its provisions to be institutionalized and implemented through the establishment of the Saudi-Canadian Coordination Council.
What does the document aim to achieve?
The document seeks to strengthen the partnership in line with both countries’ national priorities in relevant fields, reflecting their shared commitment to expanding cooperation, deepening consultation and reinforcing ties in areas of mutual interest.
It also aims to establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation based on a shared understanding of global challenges, including enhancing security and stability, supporting economic growth and empowering communities.
What areas of cooperation are envisaged?
• Political affairs
• Security and defense
• Economic, trade and investment cooperation
• Cultural, educational and scientific cooperation
• Consular affairs
What is the Saudi-Canadian Coordination Council?
As part of their commitment to strengthening and deepening friendly relations, the two governments are working to establish a Saudi-Canadian Coordination Council at the level of the two countries’ foreign ministers.
The council will operate under a governance framework, organizational structure and clear implementation mechanisms for the relevant authorities on both sides. The objective is to ensure the council fulfills its mandate by developing strategic initiatives jointly agreed upon in the areas covered by the Joint Action Document.
Each initiative will be supported by a clear implementation timetable and defined performance indicators, with progress monitored under the council’s approved governance framework.
What are the council’s objectives?
• Establish an institutional framework for cooperation between the two countries.
• Strengthen bilateral cooperation through continuous consultation and coordination across all fields.
• Serve as a unified platform encompassing all existing areas of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Canada.
• Advance bilateral relations at all levels.
• Promote shared interests and mutual benefit.
What are the council’s main pillars?
• Develop the council’s governance framework, including its organizational structure, responsibilities, procedures, operating models and subsidiary committees, in coordination with the relevant authorities.
• Prepare an annual schedule for meetings of the council and its subsidiary committees, to be approved as part of the council’s official meeting minutes.
• Implement joint initiatives across the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation.
