RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Canada Amal Almoalimi said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to the Kingdom, during which several agreements and memoranda of understanding were announced, marks the start of a new chapter in Saudi-Canadian cooperation.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Almoalimi said: “Since diplomatic relations resumed and ambassadors were reappointed in 2023, bilateral ties have continued to gain momentum, driven by mutual respect, shared interests, and both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation.”
She added: “Since assuming my post in 2023, I have worked to strengthen this momentum by building close relationships with Canadian government entities, the private sector, and academic institutions. I have seen a positive response from Canadian partners, particularly the business community, which has shown growing interest in investment and cooperation opportunities with the Kingdom.
“Universities have also welcomed the return of Saudi students, offering valuable opportunities for education, training, and scientific research while reflecting the longstanding educational ties between the two countries.”
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.
She added that reciprocal visits by senior officials from both countries have reinforced this momentum and expanded cooperation in the economic, scientific, and technology sectors, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Almoalimi noted that Canada has recently hosted visits by several Saudi ministers, including the ministers 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. These engagements culminated in Carney's visit, accompanied by the ministers of finance, national defence, and foreign affairs, reflecting the strong momentum in bilateral ties and the shared commitment to expanding cooperation.
The ambassador also said the Saudi-Canadian friendship committees in the Shura Council and the Canadian Parliament have been officially activated to strengthen bilateral relations.
On the community and academic fronts, Almoalimi said she visited several Canadian provinces and attended graduation ceremonies for Saudi students to reaffirm the Saudi Embassy’s commitment to supporting Saudis studying in Canada.
She added that the Saudi 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 by saying 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.
Saudi Cultural Attache to the US and Canada Tahany Albaiz said the growing momentum in Saudi-Canadian relations has strengthened academic cooperation, reflected in the rising number of Saudi scholarship students and graduates in Canada and their expanding presence at leading universities and prestigious educational and medical institutions.
In a statement to the SPA following Carney’s visit to the Kingdom, Albaiz said this progress reflects the expanding cooperation between the two countries and the Kingdom’s commitment to investing in its people and developing globally competitive talent in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
She said Canada remains one of the top destinations for Saudi students because of its advanced academic and healthcare systems, particularly in medical education, clinical training, and scientific research, providing scholarship students with outstanding opportunities to study and gain experience in world-class institutions.
Albaiz added 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, with graduates rising to 606 in 2025 from 170 in 2020, reflecting the growing Saudi presence in Canadian educational and training institutions.
She also said the cultural attache welcomed a new cohort of 61 Saudi scholarship students under the Pioneers Track for the 2025-2026 academic year, who enrolled at universities ranked among the world’s top 15.
Albaiz concluded by saying the cultural attache will continue supporting Saudi scholarship students throughout their academic journey and strengthening cooperation with Canadian universities and educational and healthcare institutions to help develop globally competitive national talent in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
