The relations between Saudi Arabia and Canada have been tense since last week, when the Canadian Foreign Ministry called on Saudi Arabia to immediately release the human rights activists detained in the country, which Riyadh considered as meddling in its affairs.
“Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland. They discussed the dispute between Saudi Arabia and Canada over Canada’s call for releasing civil rights activists. The Secretary also discussed Iran and Ukraine,” Nauert said in a statement.
READ MORE: Saudi Retaliation Follows Long History of Canada ‘Making Them Look Bad’
On Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Freeland remains engaged in talks with the government of Saudi Arabia despite the row. However, Trudeau stressed that Ottawa will continue to “speak strongly” on human rights’ violations.