Saudis break ties with Canada over Israel
Canada's multi-billion dollar exports to Saudi Arabia are on the line as the two countries air their differences over tensions in the Middle East. Riyadh says it is angry over the top level visit by a Canadian government official in April to occupied East Jerusalem. The visit is at odds with conventional western protocol where government officials avoid visits to the city, a major point of of dispute between Israel and Palestine. Saudi Arabia is also upset at Canada's steadfastness in its support of Israel, and its opposition to the granting of Observer Status by the UN to the Palestinians.
Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird made a visit to East Jerusalem in April and caused more angst by visiting the Israel Defense Force base in the occupied Golan Heights.
A high level meeting of the Saudi-Canadian Joint Commission which hosts ministers and top government officials from both countries has now been canceled as a result of the latest tensions. The meeting was scheduled for the middle of this year but will now not take place as Saudi Arabia refuses to participate.
Canada exports $3.6 billion of goods to Saudi Arabia each year, more than four times the value of imports Canada brings in from Saudi Arabia.
Canada's multi-billion dollar exports to Saudi Arabia are on the line as the two countries air their differences over tensions in the Middle East. Riyadh says it is angry over the top level visit by a Canadian government official in April to occupied East Jerusalem. The visit is at odds with conventional western protocol where government officials avoid visits to the city, a major point of of dispute between Israel and Palestine. Saudi Arabia is also upset at Canada's steadfastness in its support of Israel, and its opposition to the granting of Observer Status by the UN to the Palestinians.
Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird made a visit to East Jerusalem in April and caused more angst by visiting the Israel Defense Force base in the occupied Golan Heights.
A high level meeting of the Saudi-Canadian Joint Commission which hosts ministers and top government officials from both countries has now been canceled as a result of the latest tensions. The meeting was scheduled for the middle of this year but will now not take place as Saudi Arabia refuses to participate.
Canada exports $3.6 billion of goods to Saudi Arabia each year, more than four times the value of imports Canada brings in from Saudi Arabia.
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