Canada Invites Saudi Crown Prince to G7 Amid Diplomatic Thaw

Canada has formally invited Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to attend the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, scheduled for June 15-17, reflecting a new diplomatic approach under Prime Minister Mark Carney. While MBS did not attend last year's G7 summit in Italy despite being invited, his participation this year remains uncertain. Saudi Arabia is viewed as a crucial player in global diplomacy, especially regarding ceasefire efforts in Gaza and hosting talks related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both expected to be key topics at the summit. The invitation is part of Canada's broader effort to engage with influential global leaders from countries with whom it has had strained relations, including India and China. However, Saudi Arabia's human rights record, including its past treatment of activists and the unresolved controversy over journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, continues to draw criticism from Canada and advocacy groups. Despite these issues, Canada's recent diplomatic thaw with Saudi Arabia includes the exchange of ambassadors and the resumption of Saudi flights to Canada, signaling cautious steps toward improved relations.