The MoU will underscore Canada's commitment to working collaboratively with the Kingdom with an aim to strengthen the relationship in the healthcare field.

"My three-day visit to Riyadh will provide an opportunity to raise and discuss several important subjects with Saudi officials, including full access to the Saudi beef market, cooperation in the agriculture sector, and issues concerning the operation of Research in Motion's BlackBerry services in Saudi Arabia,” Loan told Arab News on Thursday night.

Loan, during his eight-day trip to the region, will visit Kuwait, Qatar, Israel and Jordan before returning to Canada on Oct. 16.

In Riyadh, Loan has a hectic schedule with several official meetings including a roundtable session hosted by the Council of Saudi Chamber.

The Canadian minister will also discuss a range of bilateral issues with Minister of Commerce and Industry Abdullah Zainal Alireza, Minister of Health Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and SAGIA (Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority) Gov. Amr Al-Dabbagh besides holding talks with senior officials from the Riyadh Development Authority and Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA).

Minister Loan said that the Kingdom had given only partial access to Canadian beef exporters.

"More than 17 other countries have already reopened their markets for Canadian beef," said the minister, adding that he would raise the issue with senior Saudi officials.

The Canada Beef Export Federation estimates that full market access to Saudi Arabia would allow Canadian beef exporters to re-establish previous export levels worth nearly $6 million.

Saudi Arabia was Canada's sixth largest market for exports of beef prior to a BSE-related ban imposed by the Kingdom in 2003.

An agreement endorsed by the two sides last year reopened the Saudi market for Canadian boneless beef exports from animals under 30 months of age.

Canada and Saudi Arabia agreed to continue extensive negotiations with the goal of fully reopening access to Canadian beef exporters.

Loan, who also pledged to "create and expand new marketing opportunities,” said that he welcomed the Kingdom’s move to allow BlackBerry services to continue.

The Canadian minister had a conversation with Prince Mohammad Bin Naif, deputy minister of interior, on the issue in August this year.

On the other hand, Ontario-based Research In Motion has made progress in talks with Saudi Arabia over its demands to intercept encrypted messages carried by the smart phone.

Canada and Saudi Arabia have forged closer cooperation on the commercial front. The Canadian Food Exporters Association (CFEA), together with other food organizations will visit countries in the Middle East, including the Kingdom, from Nov. 27 to 29.

A Canadian firm, the MMM Group, was recently given the responsibility to prepare a master plan for the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Two-way trade between Riyadh and Ottawa exceeded $2.7 billion in 2009. Several companies from the two countries have evinced keen interest in boosting trade and investment links further.