Saudi Arabia, Canada agree to restore full diplomatic ties after 2018 row

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Canada and Saudi Arabia have agreed to restore full diplomatic ties and appoint new ambassadors, according to statements from the two countries, ending the fallout from a 2018 dispute.

The move came after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Bangkok on Nov. 18, 2022.

Global Affairs Canada said in a statement that it has been "decided to restore the level of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia to its previous level," adding that Canada has appointed Jean-Philippe Linteau as the new ambassador to Riyadh.

Similarly, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said that “in light of what has been discussed between HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, it has been decided to restore the level of diplomatic relations with Canada to its previous state.”

Saudi Arabia expelled the Canadian ambassador and froze investments with Canada in Aug. 2018 after Canada called on Riyadh to "immediately release" civil society and women’s rights activists, including Samar Badawi.