Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has embarked on his inaugural bilateral visit to Türkiye, meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. The visit underscores the two nations’ commitment to bolstering diplomatic ties and exploring expanded cooperation in various sectors.
During the two-day visit, Carney and Erdoğan are expected to sign agreements that will establish a strategic partnership, particularly in energy, nuclear power, sustainable mining, defense, aerospace, and advanced technologies. The discussions also include negotiations towards a potential free trade agreement, building on commitments made during a recent NATO summit.
A significant development in defense relations is Türkiye’s agreement to join Canada’s Defence, Security and Resilience Bank as a founding member, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two countries in this sector. Economic ties have seen notable growth, with bilateral trade increasing by nearly 50% over the past five years.
Both countries are keen to further enhance commercial relations, with particular opportunities identified in energy, critical minerals, aerospace, and advanced technology. Türkiye is actively seeking international partnerships for its planned second and third nuclear power plants, offering Canadian companies potential involvement in nuclear energy projects and related infrastructure.
Trade between the nations currently sees Canada exporting goods such as lentils, aerospace equipment, optical instruments, and electronics to Türkiye, while Türkiye’s exports to Canada include iron and steel, machinery, fresh and dried fruits.
Carney’s visit is part of Canada’s broader strategy to diversify its international trade partnerships, aiming to reduce economic reliance on the United States. For Türkiye, engaging more closely with Canada presents opportunities to attract investment, expand exports, and strengthen industrial cooperation. The visit is a significant step in turning this growing diplomatic engagement into concrete trade and investment opportunities.