Canada’s sanctions on 17 Saudi nationals over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi remain in place, according to Prime Minister Mark Carney, despite growing tensions between Ottawa and Riyadh. The sanctions were initially imposed in 2018 following Khashoggi’s murder inside Saudi Arabia’s Istanbul consulate. Riyadh has repeatedly denied involvement by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, although U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded the prince ordered the killing.
The diplomatic rift between Canada and Saudi Arabia has deepened since the sanctions were announced. Riyadh recently recalled its ambassador to Canada, accused Ottawa of “blatant interference” in its internal affairs, and froze new trade and investment with Canada. Human rights groups continue to highlight Saudi Arabia’s extensive practice of transnational repression, a tactic underscored by the brutal nature of Khashoggi’s murder.
Prime Minister Carney emphasized his commitment to human rights but stressed the importance of dialogue in achieving diplomatic outcomes. Speaking after the NATO leaders summit in Ankara, Carney cited a recent conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as an example of how engagement can yield results. The two leaders discussed a Canadian consular matter that saw progress following their talks.
Carney claimed he was the first Canadian prime minister to engage directly with Erdogan in over a decade, despite records showing phone conversations between Erdogan and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in both 2020 and 2023. Ties between Canada and Turkey had deteriorated in 2021 after Canadian-manufactured equipment, intended for Turkey, was illegally diverted to conflicts in the Caucasus.
Turkey’s political climate has attracted criticism from Western governments and human rights organizations, particularly in the wake of a failed 2016 coup attempt. The Erdogan administration responded by imprisoning thousands and purging tens of thousands of public officials, including many educators, under accusations of supporting the exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen.
When asked whether he raised human rights issues with Saudi officials, Carney declined to disclose details of his discussions. Former Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy questioned the prime minister’s approach, noting the absence of a formal foreign policy and stressing the need for Canada to clearly articulate its stance on issues such as women’s rights and political dissent.
During the NATO summit, Erdogan presented Carney with a personalized revolver engraved with his name, part of a series of handgun gifts to visiting leaders. Carney, who accepted the gift with some surprise, noted that the firearm was decommissioned and is now in the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The accompanying ammunition was left behind in Turkey. Carney joked that the gift was a stark contrast to the jar of maple syrup he had given Erdogan.
Canadian regulations require any gift to politicians exceeding $200 in value to be declared, and those over $1,000 to be forfeited to the Crown. Carney indicated the revolver might eventually be displayed at the Canadian War Museum.
Similar revolvers have been given to other NATO leaders, such as Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, whose gift is intended for exhibition in the Presidential Palace, and Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who described the present as “unusual.”