OTTAWA — Canada's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Jean-Philippe Linteau, confirmed on Sunday that the Canadian embassy in Riyadh remains open for consular assistance for Canadians in need. This statement came in response to escalating tensions following Houthi attacks targeting the international airport in Riyadh. On Sunday, the Saudi-led coalition reported that a projectile struck a passenger terminal at the airport, just one day after a missile attack had resulted in 12 fatalities and hundreds of injuries.
In light of these developments, the Canadian government issued a travel advisory recommending that citizens avoid all non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia, specifically advising against travel to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure, labeling them as "abhorrent" and unjustified. In a social media statement, he expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a swift recovery to the injured.
The airport in Riyadh remained closed on Sunday, and reports from flight-tracking websites indicated a complete halt in air traffic around the city. This recent assault in Riyadh coincided with the Houthis blaming Saudi forces for a strike on an airport in Sanaa, Yemen, marking a concerning escalation in the broader conflict that involves Iran's influence in the Middle East.
As the situation unfolds, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on Saturday that he is considering whether to join the fight against the Houthis, planning discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand also engaged with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, reaffirming Canada's steadfast support for Saudi Arabia's territorial integrity.
In discussions about the implications of the violence, Jeffrey Steiner, head of the Canada-Saudi Business Council, emphasized the importance of Canada's condemnation of the attacks while also recognizing the need to strengthen long-term ties with Saudi Arabia as a crucial regional economic and security ally. He noted the tragic impact of the violence on the families of victims and highlighted concerns regarding safety in the region, which could lead to a temporary pause in commercial activities.
Steiner remarked on the uncertainty surrounding the duration of these tensions but underscored that the Canadian government has consistently condemned the Houthi attacks targeting civilian areas. As the World Petroleum Congress commenced on Sunday in Riyadh, another significant event, the Future Investment Initiative, commonly referred to as "Davos in the desert," is scheduled for later this month.
Despite the current unrest, Steiner conveyed that he and other Canadian firms still intend to participate in the forthcoming investment forum, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom's economy and attract foreign investment. He indicated that ongoing monitoring of the situation will be crucial in the short term while recognizing the long-term opportunities for Canadian businesses to engage with Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is anticipated to lead a delegation of Canadian pension funds to Saudi Arabia in the coming months to explore investment opportunities, demonstrating Canada's continued interest in fostering economic relations with the Kingdom amid these challenging circumstances.
This situation remains dynamic, requiring careful observation as both nations navigate the implications of these recent hostilities.
