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Saudi Arabia’s Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud met with Canada’s Anita Anand in Riyadh on March 30, 2026, where the two ministers reviewed bilateral relations that have developed over more than five decades. The discussions highlighted shared priorities in economic diversification, regional security and international peace efforts, according to a joint press statement from Global Affairs Canada. Trade between the countries surpassed SAR 12 billion in 2024, with both sides noting advancements in negotiations for an investment promotion and protection agreement as well as collaboration through the Canada-Saudi Business Council.
The ministers addressed ongoing regional challenges and condemned destabilizing Iranian behavior, including attacks against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states that threaten broader security, the joint statement said. They called on Iran to immediately halt these attacks while respecting international law, international humanitarian law and principles of good neighborliness. The pair stressed that Tehran must comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and end its support for militias operating in Arab states, actions they said undermine peace across the region and beyond.
A G7 foreign ministers’ statement released nine days earlier had similarly condemned Iranian attacks on civilian infrastructure and energy facilities across multiple countries including Saudi Arabia, according to Global Affairs Canada. That earlier document reaffirmed the need to protect maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and associated waterways critical to global supply chains. Briefings prepared for Canadian parliamentary committees noted that roughly 27 percent of global oil exports and 20 percent of liquefied natural gas transit the strait, underscoring the potential for widespread economic disruption from any sustained interference.
Anand affirmed Canada’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and expressed appreciation for Riyadh’s assistance in facilitating the return of Canadian citizens amid regional tensions, the joint statement reported. Both parties agreed that coordinated international action is required to reduce tensions, strengthen maritime security and safeguard critical energy infrastructure. The ministers welcomed continued cooperation to promote stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
Bilateral ties also extended to sectors such as mining, tourism, education, pharmaceuticals, space technology and artificial intelligence, with the officials committing to deepen partnerships in these fields. The statement highlighted the second Canada-Saudi Arabia Education Partnership Forum held concurrently in Toronto as an example of expanding non-security cooperation. Prince Faisal and Anand emphasized the importance of building a comprehensive future-oriented relationship grounded in mutual economic growth and security interests.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis that escalated in early 2026 saw Iranian actions targeting commercial vessels, including reported strikes on Saudi and Qatari tankers, prompting widespread international concern, a Wikipedia summary of the events indicated. Saudi authorities separately held Iran responsible for the assaults and demanded an end to threats against navigation and energy flows, according to statements from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Canadian officials, through both bilateral and G7 channels, consistently called for de-escalation and respect for international maritime norms to prevent further economic fallout.
