Saudi Arabia and Canada: Questions and Answers on the Joint Action Coordination Council
Saudi Arabia and Canada announced Thursday that they have signed a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding in Jeddah in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The signing followed talks between the two countries and an official reception for Mr. Carney, the Canadian prime minister, who visited Saudi Arabia for the first time in 25 years.
The following questions, answers, and background explain the Joint Action Document and the establishment of the Saudi-Canadian Coordination Council, as referred to in the joint statement issued after the summit, based on clarifications provided to Asharq Al-Awsat by sources.
What is a joint action document?
The joint action document will serve as a comprehensive framework for bilateral cooperation, officials said.
The aim is to outline priority areas for cooperation for the next stage, the provisions of which will be institutionalized and implemented through the establishment of a Saudi-Canada Coordination Council.
What does this document aim to achieve?
The document aims to strengthen the partnership in line with both countries’ national priorities in relevant areas and reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to expand cooperation, deepen consultations and strengthen ties in areas of mutual interest.
It also aims to establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation based on a shared understanding of global challenges, including strengthening security and stability, supporting economic growth, and empowering local communities.
What areas of cooperation are envisaged?
• Government affairs
• Security and defense
• Economic, trade and investment cooperation
• Cultural, educational and scientific cooperation
• Consular services
What is the Saudi-Canadian Coordination Council?
As part of our efforts to strengthen and deepen friendly relations, the two governments are working to establish a Saudi-Canada Coordination Council at the level of both foreign ministers.
The Council will operate based on a governance framework, organizational structure and clear enforcement mechanisms for relevant authorities on both sides. Its aim is to ensure that the Council fulfills its mandate by developing jointly agreed strategic initiatives in the areas covered by the joint action document.
Each initiative will be supported by a clear implementation schedule and defined performance indicators, and progress will be monitored under a council-approved governance framework.
What is the purpose of the council?
• Establish an institutional framework for cooperation between the two countries.
• Strengthen bilateral cooperation through continuous consultation and coordination across all sectors.
• Serve as a unified platform covering all existing areas of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Canada.
• Advance bilateral relations at all levels.
• Promote common interests and mutual benefits.
What are the main pillars of the Council?
• Work with relevant authorities to develop the Council’s governance framework, including its organizational structure, responsibilities, procedures, operating model and subsidiary committees.
• Develop an annual schedule of meetings of the Council and its subsidiary committees to be approved as part of the Council’s official meeting minutes.
• Implement joint initiatives across the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation.
