Minister Solomon concludes visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, laying the foundation for future collaboration on artificial intelligence
News release
February 17, 2026 – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, concluded a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, opening doors for future collaboration in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.
Minister Solomon engaged with senior Saudi leaders, including His Excellency Engineer Abdullah Amer Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and His Excellency Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif, Minister of Investment. He also met with representatives from leading Saudi Arabian AI and telecom companies, like HUMAIN and STC group, as well as the Kingdom Holding Company (KHC).
Discussions focused on advancing practical cooperation in AI, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies. Both sides noted the strong fit between Canada’s AI strengths and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 priorities, including building domestic capability, expanding compute and data systems, and accelerating innovation-driven economic growth.
Minister Solomon participated in a roundtable discussion with Canadian and Saudi AI and digital health companies that are actively bridging the Canadian and Saudi innovation ecosystems by conducting their research and development (R&D) in Canada. The companies outlined the various strategies and initiatives they have implemented to strengthen collaboration between Canada and Saudi Arabia on R&D and provided valuable suggestions on facilitating further cooperation.
The visit highlighted the importance of close government-to-government cooperation, partnerships, knowledge exchange and cross-border innovation efforts to unlock new opportunities in AI. It laid the groundwork for future agreements, investments and initiatives to strengthen ties and advance collaboration in AI to the benefit of both countries.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada looks forward to maintaining close engagement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to advance shared priorities and explore opportunities for partnership in artificial intelligence. These bilateral meetings highlight our joint ambition for the responsible development and adoption of AI. By strengthening our cooperation, we are unlocking new avenues for innovation and investment, supporting our researchers and entrepreneurs, and building a solid foundation for the growth of our digital economies.”
– The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Quick facts
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Canada and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have enjoyed positive relations for over 50 years, grounded in shared interests in economic growth and diversification, regional and international security, global peace, and counterterrorism.
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Both nations have an opportunity to build on these foundations to advance common interests and capture new technological opportunities.
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In 2024, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was Canada’s largest two-way trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa region, with merchandise trade totalling approximately $4.1 billion ($2 billion in Canadian exports and $2.1 billion in imports).
Associated links
Contacts
Sofia Ouslis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
sofia.ouslis@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca
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