Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Canada Amal Almoalimi has stated that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to the Kingdom marks the beginning of a new chapter in Saudi-Canadian cooperation. The visit saw the announcement of several agreements and memoranda of understanding.
Resumption of Diplomatic Relations
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Almoalimi noted that since diplomatic relations were resumed and ambassadors reappointed in 2023, bilateral ties have continued to gain momentum. She attributed this progress to mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to expanding cooperation.
Almoalimi, who assumed her post in 2023, said she has worked to strengthen this momentum by building close relationships with Canadian government entities, the private sector, and academic institutions. She highlighted a positive response from Canadian partners, particularly the business community, which has shown growing interest in investment and cooperation opportunities with the Kingdom.
Educational and Academic Cooperation
The ambassador also noted that Canadian universities have welcomed the return of Saudi students, offering valuable opportunities for education, training, and scientific research. This reflects the longstanding educational ties between the two countries.
Saudi Cultural Attache to the US and Canada Tahany Albaiz said the growing momentum in bilateral relations has strengthened academic cooperation. She pointed to the rising number of Saudi scholarship students and graduates in Canada and their expanding presence at leading universities and prestigious educational and medical institutions.
Increase in Saudi Medical Graduates
Albaiz reported that the number of Saudi physicians who have graduated or are expected to graduate in health and medical specialties in Canada has increased by nearly 256 percent. Graduates rose to 606 in 2025 from 170 in 2020, reflecting a growing Saudi presence in Canadian educational and training institutions.
She also announced that the cultural attache welcomed a new cohort of 61 Saudi scholarship students under the Pioneers Track for the 2025-2026 academic year, enrolled at universities ranked among the world’s top 15.
High-Level Visits and Agreements
Almoalimi said the Saudi Embassy has played a key role in promoting investment opportunities in the Kingdom by highlighting its attractive investment environment, showcasing the achievements of Saudi Vision 2030, and the opportunities it offers. Reciprocal visits by senior officials from both countries have reinforced this momentum and expanded cooperation in economic, scientific, and technology sectors.
Canada has recently hosted visits by several Saudi ministers, including those of education, industry and mineral resources, investment, and foreign affairs, to explore cooperation in priority sectors. The Kingdom also welcomed senior Canadian officials, including the ministers of international trade, artificial intelligence and digital innovation, and foreign affairs.
Carney's Visit
These engagements culminated in Prime Minister Carney's visit, accompanied by the ministers of finance, national defence, and foreign affairs. The ambassador said this reflects the strong momentum in bilateral ties and the shared commitment to expanding cooperation.
Almoalimi also noted that the Saudi-Canadian friendship committees in the Shura Council and the Canadian Parliament have been officially activated to strengthen bilateral relations.
Community and Professional Engagement
On the community and academic fronts, Almoalimi visited several Canadian provinces and attended graduation ceremonies for Saudi students to reaffirm the embassy’s commitment to supporting Saudis studying in Canada. The embassy has also strengthened ties with Canadian universities and professional institutions, including the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, to support cooperation in education, training, and professional accreditation.
Almoalimi concluded that these efforts mark a new phase in Saudi-Canadian relations built on sustainable partnerships, stronger scientific and investment exchange, and broader cooperation that serves the interests of both countries while supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and Canada’s efforts to diversify its international economic partnerships.
