Kananaskis, Alberta, June 11, 2025: Canada has extended an invitation to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to attend the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit, set for June 15–17 in the foothills of Kananaskis, Alberta. The invitation marks a notable move by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration, which has broadened the guest list to include major non-G7 powers .
The invite is part of Canada’s strategic shift to engage key international players on global security, energy stability, and diplomatic coordination. Saudi Arabia’s role as mediator in ceasefire efforts for Gaza and its facilitation of talks concerning Russia and Ukraine earned particular mention . Although it remains unclear whether Mohammed bin Salman will accept, Canada’s gesture underscores its intention to integrate influential voices beyond the traditional G7 bloc .
The decision also spotlights the delicate balance between pragmatic diplomacy and longstanding policy concerns. Canada’s relations with Saudi Arabia have historically been strained, particularly in 2018 following human rights disputes and the expulsion of diplomats. However, a thaw began in 2023, with ambassadors reinstated and trade ties tentatively restored .
The move fits into a broader pattern of outreach by Canada. Other invited leaders include India’s Narendra Modi, Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa . Host nations traditionally invite non-member countries to leverage the summit as a global forum, and Canada’s expanding guest list reflects a strategy to enhance multilateral influence .
The G7 summit, marking its 50th anniversary in Kananaskis, will convene the world’s seven richest democracies—the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan—alongside invited leaders . Key issues on the agenda include the Ukraine‑Russia war, Gaza ceasefire efforts, climate resilience, global energy security, and the future of supply chains.
Canada’s invitation to Mohammed bin Salman signals a commitment to inclusive diplomacy while testing the extent to which pragmatic ties can transcend ethical and historical tensions.
