Saudi Arabia and Canada will restore full diplomatic relations. Saudi Arabia said this on Wednesday.
Riyadh expelled Ottawa’s ambassador and suspended trade after a 2018 dispute over human rights.
Canada’s foreign affairs ministry said the decision to restore diplomatic relations followed discussions between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum summit in Bangkok last year.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it has been decided to restore diplomatic relations with Canada.
The Saudi government expelled Canada’s ambassador in 2018 and recalled its own envoy to Ottawa. Ottawa also suspended all new trade amid strong calls for the release of human rights activists held in Saudi jails.
On Wednesday, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said the two countries would “appoint new ambassadors”.
According to a statement from Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Philippe Linto has been named Ottawa’s new ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is yet to announce its ambassador selection.
Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the agreement was based on the desire of both sides to re-establish diplomatic relations between the two countries based on mutual respect and common interests.
