Canada Seeks Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Jean-Philippe Linteau, Canada’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Yemen (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Jean-Philippe Linteau, Canada’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Yemen (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Canada Seeks Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Jean-Philippe Linteau, Canada’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Yemen (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Jean-Philippe Linteau, Canada’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Yemen (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Jean-Philippe Linteau, Canada’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Yemen, stressed that his country looks forward to strengthening a comprehensive partnership with Saudi Arabia, with the aim to promote regional peace and security, and economic cooperation.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Linteau said that he was pleased with the development of the Saudi-Canadian relations, noting that since 2023, the two countries have officially restored full diplomatic ties.

In this context, he pointed that many Canadian companies were looking to open offices in Riyadh to take advantage of the huge trade opportunities in the Kingdom.

The Canadian diplomat added that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have spoken on several occasions, while high-level visits have taken place in both directions, with the goal to push the bilateral relations forward.

He stressed that Saudi Arabia was also playing a constructive diplomatic role on global peace and security, by repeatedly calling on various sides to hold talks on a peace formula to end the war in Ukraine.

“We will continue to work together towards a safer and more prosperous world,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Linteau went on to say that he was looking forward to expanding bridges between Canada and Saudi Arabia across a range of shared priorities, from enhancing economic prosperity and contributing to vibrant societies, to promoting regional peace and security.

He continued that a safe and stable region will enhance the success of Saudi Vision 2030.

According to the Canadian ambassador, as the region is going through a dangerous phase, the Kingdom’s leadership has worked to encourage stopping the escalation and seeking to resolve conflicts, whether in Sudan, Yemen, or more recently in Gaza, where he stressed that Canada shares the Kingdom’s commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Describing Saudi Arabia as a “wonderful country”, Linteau said he expected Canadian companies to increase their investments in Saudi Vision 2030 programs, which feature a successful diversification of the Saudi economy and broad opportunities for bilateral cooperation in traditional, new and innovative sectors, such as culture, tourism and clean technology.

Saudi Arabia is a dynamic country that is still undergoing tremendous changes, the diplomat emphasized, noting that many of the reforms underway in the Kingdom are those adopted by Canada, such as empowering women and youth, enhancing economic prosperity, and modernizing governance.



Saudi Arabia Implemented $7.1-Billion-Worth Projects to Support Children

KSrelief has implemented 3,117 projects across 105 countries, totaling over $7.1 billion. SPA
KSrelief has implemented 3,117 projects across 105 countries, totaling over $7.1 billion. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Implemented $7.1-Billion-Worth Projects to Support Children

KSrelief has implemented 3,117 projects across 105 countries, totaling over $7.1 billion. SPA
KSrelief has implemented 3,117 projects across 105 countries, totaling over $7.1 billion. SPA

Saudi Arabia actively marks World Children's Day, observed on November 20 every year, through a range of projects and initiatives carried out by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), which is dedicated to supporting children and promoting their well-being worldwide.

Since its establishment, KSrelief has implemented 3,117 projects across 105 countries, totaling over $7.1 billion. Among these, 965 projects were valued at over $924 million, specifically focusing on enhancing the living conditions of children and their families, alleviating their suffering and ensuring access to education in safe and healthy environments.

One significant project by the center is the rehabilitation and reintegration of children recruited and affected by the armed conflict in Yemen, which aims to support child soldiers in their journey back to society.

The project has positively impacted 530 children and 60,560 family members. It entails facilitating the children's integration into their communities, enrolling them in schools, and offering vital psychological and social support through targeted training courses, helping them to lead normal, fulfilling lives.
KSrelief is a key supporter of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), significantly contributing to the delivery of health services and nutrition programs for newborns and their mothers. The center also plays a crucial role in supporting educational initiatives and ensuring the continuity of education in crisis and disaster-affected areas.