Arab News has always helped me understand the local context and the Saudi perspective on regional and international developments.

It has also been a valued partner in highlighting the expanding relations between Canada and Saudi Arabia.

Forty years ago, Bell Canada was connecting Saudis with a new telecommunications network.

Today Saudi nationals are still being connected through Canadian technology, our brilliant BlackBerries. Saudis will soon be riding Bombardier vehicles on the Riyadh Metro. And they are enjoying Canadian brands like Tim Horton’s, Second Cup, Big Smoke Burger, Aldo’s, Joe Fresh, La Senza, La Vie en Rose.

Forty years ago, Saudi doctors were beginning to study in Canada. Now nearly 5,000 have trained there.

Some 17,000 Saudi students are currently in Canada. And Canadian colleges have come to the Kingdom — Algonquin in Jazan and Niagara in Taif.

Forty years ago, there was little bilateral investment between us.

Now it is flourishing. Our largest consulting-engineering company SNC Lavalin has 6,000 staff in Saudi Arabia.

Canadian mining giant Barrick has a major copper venture with Maaden. And Saudi investors have also discovered Canada: Prince Alwaleed’s ownership in our treasured Four Seasons and Fairmont hotel brands, SALIC’s recent investment in the Canadian Wheat Board.

In 40 years, the world has grown smaller, Canada and Saudi Arabia have grown closer, the Kingdom has thrived, and Arab News has always been there to report intelligently on these developments. Long may that continue!

Thomas MacDonald

Ambassador of Canada