Webdesk: Saudi Arabia and Canada have announced the restoration of full diplomatic relations. It is after a five-year dispute over human rights that saw Riyadh expel Ottawa’s ambassador,
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held discussions on the sidelines of the APEC Forum summit on November 18, 2022 in Bangkok, according to an official statement released by the Canadian government on Wednesday.
The statement stated that both countries desired to restore diplomatic relations “on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests.”
Moreover, Ottawa has decided to restore the previous level of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, according to the statement.
“Canada has appointed a new ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jean-Philippe Linteau,” the statement continued.
Moreover, In a separate statement, the Saudi foreign minister confirmed the development. Stating, “It has been decided to restore the level of diplomatic relations with Canada to its previous state.”
Wednesday, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced that the two countries will “appoint new ambassadors”. A statement from the Canadian foreign ministry named Jean-Phillipe Linteau as Ottawa’s new envoy to the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia made no mention of its ambassadorial choice.
The latest announcement follows a frenetic period of high-stakes Saudi diplomacy precipitated by the kingdom’s March announcement of a surprise rapprochement with Iran brokered by China.
Since then, Saudi Arabia has restored bilateral ties with Syria and intensified its peace efforts in Yemen. Where it leads a military coalition against Houthi rebels backed by Iran.
In addition, the Kingdom is harbouring representatives of Sudan’s two warring generals and, along with the United States, has helped broker a humanitarian ceasefire that went into effect on Monday.
