Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has turned down an invitation

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has turned down an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to participate in the upcoming G7 summit set to take place in Kananaskis, Alberta.

This diplomatic snub comes as a surprise to many, as Carney had extended the invitation as part of his efforts to rebuild bridges with countries that Canada had experienced tensions with during the previous administration.

The G7, comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union, is an intergovernmental organization that focuses on economic matters. The summit is an annual event that brings together leaders of these nations to discuss and formulate policies on global issues such as economics, security, and environmental concerns.

The decision by MBS to decline the invitation can be seen as a continuation of the cool relationship between Canada and Saudi Arabia that began in 2023. The two countries have had a series of diplomatic spats, including disagreements over human rights issues and trade policies. This latest move underscores the ongoing challenges in restoring full normalcy to their bilateral ties.

The Saudi diplomat who spoke to Reuters did not provide a reason for the crown prince's non-attendance. However, analysts suggest that MBS's decision could be linked to the persistent criticism Canada has faced over its environmental policies, particularly its management of the oil sands, which are a significant source of friction between the two nations. Additionally, the Canadian government's vocal stance on human rights issues in the Middle East, including in Saudi Arabia, may have played a role in the crown prince's decision.

Canada's relationship with the oil-rich kingdom took a significant hit under the previous prime minister, who had called for a moratorium on oil sands expansion and criticized Saudi Arabia's human rights record. The tensions led to a temporary suspension of diplomatic ties and the recall of ambassadors. Since then, the new administration under Prime Minister Carney has worked to rebuild the relationship, emphasizing shared economic interests and strategic partnerships.

The rejection of the invitation by the Saudi crown prince, who is seen as the de facto ruler of the kingdom, indicates that despite these efforts, the road to reconciliation remains fraught with challenges. The summit, which is expected to cover a range of topics including climate change, international trade, and global security, will likely proceed without the high-profile presence of the Saudi delegation, potentially impacting discussions on energy and Middle Eastern affairs.

This development also raises questions about the effectiveness of Canada's outreach efforts and whether other G7 members will face similar snubs as they attempt to engage with the diverse group of countries traditionally invited to participate in these high-level forums. It remains to be seen how Canada will respond to this setback and whether it will alter its approach to engaging with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states in the future.