A high-level Canadian delegation, backed by the government, kicked off a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia on Monday. The visit aims at linking Canada’s G7 Presidency priorities on responsible artificial intelligence and digital governance with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan. The goal is to move strategic talks into joint projects serving both countries.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Jean-Philippe Linteau, Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Yemen, and Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, emphasized the significance of Saudi-Canadian ties in this regard.
He explained: “Canada and Saudi Arabia collaborate on many levels. Both countries are partners in advancing peace and stability in the region, as demonstrated through our respective contributions, for example most recently at the United Nations, including at the Two-State Solution Conference. Saudi Arabia is Canada’s largest partners in the Gulf. Our two countries are expanding trade, which now stands at 4.1 billion dollars in 2024, with growth in both directions.”
Ambassador Linteau added that cooperation is deepening into vital sectors.
“Our cooperation is evolving towards technology, research, investment, and skills. Today we are working together in areas like artificial intelligence, digital transformation, health and life sciences, advanced communications, sustainable finance, and education. These are the building blocks of Vision 2030, and they are also the strengths of Canada’s innovation ecosystem.”
On the objectives of the Canadian delegation’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the ambassador explained: “The purpose of this delegation is about building practical partnerships. Our Canadian companies and research institutions are here to connect with Saudi ministries, investors, and innovators. They want to explore opportunities for co-developing new technologies, to pilot solutions in areas like AI, health, and mobility, and to create long-term investment relationships.”
He continued: “This visit is also about linking Canada’s G7 Presidency priorities, responsible AI and digital governance, with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda. Together, we want to turn conversations into concrete projects that serve both our countries.”
This comes as part of Canada’s aspirations to strengthen a comprehensive strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia across diverse fields, especially clean technology, while exploring new opportunities in the Kingdom. Many Canadian companies are looking to establish offices in Saudi Arabia to benefit from its significant business potential, as well as opportunities across traditional and emerging sectors such as culture, tourism, and sustainable innovation.
Both countries are also witnessing increasing educational exchanges between Saudi and Canadian youth, helping pave the way for new partnerships and opportunities, while building on reforms that empower women and young people and support prosperity, economic growth, and expanded trade and investment.
