Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada and Saudi Arabia are well-placed to expand and deepen their mining and energy relationship, as his visit marks the first time a Canadian prime minister has gone to the kingdom in 26 years.

Speaking at a televised business forum in Saudi Arabia, Carney argued that changes in global trade—along with U.S. tariffs on key Canadian exports—make it more important for Canada to diversify partners and strengthen new ties. He said Saudi Arabia could help Canadian mining firms develop projects and support deeper collaboration in critical minerals.

Carney also met with Amin Nasser, the head of Saudi state oil company Saudi Aramco, as part of talks aimed at increasing cooperation in the energy sector.

The two countries restored full diplomatic ties in 2023 after a 2018 dispute over human-rights issues disrupted relations and trade