Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim held talks with Ambassador Jean-Philippe Linteau Meeting reinforces their commitment to deepening cooperation and tackling mutual challenges RIYADH: Economic cooperation was the focus of a high-level meeting between a top Saudi official and the Canadian Ambassador as relations between the nations continue to progress. The Kingdom’s Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim held talks with Jean-Philippe Linteau at his department’s headquarters in Riyadh, according to the Saudi Press Agency. This meeting signifies a positive development in Saudi-Canadian relations, which were restored in May 2023 after a five-year diplomatic rift. The restoration followed discussions between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Bangkok in November 2022. Since normalizing relations, Canada is keen to build a “great relationship” with the Kingdom, Linteau said during an interview with Arab News in February. The recent meeting between Al-Ibrahim and the top diplomat reinforces their commitment to deepening cooperation and tackling mutual challenges. In January, Saudi Arabia and Canada agreed to re-exchange trade delegations, aiming to improve economic relations and increase trade and investment volumes. Hassan Al-Huwaizi, president of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce, emphasized that establishing a joint business council would provide a platform for business leaders to promote activities and engage in partnerships, facilitating continuous interaction and information exchange about market opportunities.