New Delhi, July 10 -- Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday - the first visit to the kingdom by a Canadian leader in 26 years - as he seeks to expand his country's economic ties beyond its heavy reliance on the United States.

Carney is to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - the kingdom's de facto ruler - on Thursday, and he will also address the Saudi Arabia-Canada Investment Forum and attend a signing ceremony.

The trip underscores Ottawa's effort to diversify trade and attract investment as U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and threats to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement highlight Canada's dependence on the U.S., its largest trading partner.

For its part, Saudi Arabia has sought ...