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Ambassadors

Saudi Arabia's Female Diplomats Break Ground, Repair Relationships

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Amal Yahya Almoalimi, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Canada, has taken pride in being part of a new era for women in Saudi Arabian diplomacy. As the second woman to lead a diplomatic mission for the kingdom, she has been sent to several countries, including Sweden, Finland, the European Union, and Spain. Her appointment has been seen as an attempt by Saudi Arabia to demonstrate a shift in its evolution and repair relationships with countries like Canada. With trade relations between the two countries crucial, Ambassador Almoalimi has been engaging with stakeholders across Canada, visiting several provinces and planning to visit more. Despite criticism of Saudi Arabia's human-rights record and harsh treatment of government critics, Ambassador Almoalimi remains optimistic and welcoming, citing the kingdom's Vision 2030 program and its progress in empowering women.

Key Takeaways:

  • Amal Yahya Almoalimi, a 62-year-old Saudi diplomat, has been appointed as the second woman to lead a diplomatic mission for the kingdom, breaking ground for women in Saudi Arabian diplomacy.
  • Since her appointment, Saudi Arabia has sent female ambassadors to four other destinations, indicating a new era of female representation in the kingdom's diplomatic corps.
  • Ambassador Almoalimi has been settling into her new role in Ottawa and has been engaging with stakeholders across Canada, visiting several provinces and planning to visit more.
  • Despite criticism of Saudi Arabia's human-rights record and harsh treatment of government critics, Ambassador Almoalimi remains optimistic and welcoming, citing the kingdom's Vision 2030 program and its progress in empowering women.
  • The appointment of Ambassador Almoalimi has been seen as an attempt by Saudi Arabia to demonstrate a shift in its evolution and repair relationships with countries like Canada.
  • Elliot Tepper, a Carleton University geopolitics professor, suggests that Ambassador Almoalimi's appointment is driven by a desire to renew relationships between Canada and Saudi Arabia.
  • Professor Tepper notes that Saudi Arabia is a major trading partner for Canada, and its economic transformation presents opportunities in sectors such as financial services, infrastructure, nuclear energy, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace.

Statistics:

  • Saudi Arabia is Canada's largest two-way trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa.
  • Energy makes up 97% of Canadian imports from Saudi Arabia.
  • Ambassador Almoalimi has visited Saskatchewan, London, Toronto, and Montreal, and plans to visit Alberta and Vancouver soon.
  • The number of female ambassadors sent by Saudi Arabia to other countries since Ambassador Almoalimi's appointment is four.

Sources:

  • Almoalimi, Amal Yahya. Interview at the Saudi Arabian embassy in Ottawa.
  • Tepper, Elliot. Professor of geopolitics at Carleton University.
  • Global Affairs Canada. "Canada-Saudi Arabia Relations".
  • The Globe and Mail. "Saudi Arabia's female diplomats break ground in Canada".
  • Business Council of Canada. "Statement from Goldy Hyder, President and CEO".
  • Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights. "Statement from Gila Cotler, Chief Executive Officer".

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