In a move to enhance bilateral relations, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ankara, marking Carney’s first official visit to Türkiye. The two leaders are set to forge stronger diplomatic ties and expand cooperation across various sectors, including energy, defense, and advanced technologies.
During the two-day visit, Erdoğan and Carney are expected to sign agreements that will establish a strategic partnership between the two countries. The discussions aim to expand collaboration in energy, nuclear power, sustainable mining, and aerospace. A potential free trade agreement is also on the table, building on commitments made at the recent NATO summit. Türkiye’s agreement to join Canada’s Defence, Security and Resilience Bank as a founding member underscores the growing cooperation in defense and security.
Economic ties between Türkiye and Canada have been on the rise, with bilateral trade increasing by nearly 50% over the past five years. Both governments are keen to explore further commercial opportunities, particularly in the fields of energy, critical minerals, and aerospace. Türkiye is actively seeking international partners for its upcoming nuclear power plant projects, presenting potential opportunities for Canadian companies to engage in nuclear energy and infrastructure development.
Trade between the two nations currently includes Canadian exports of lentils, aerospace equipment, optical instruments, and electronics to Türkiye, while Türkiye exports iron and steel, machinery, and various fruits to Canada. Carney’s visit is part of Canada’s broader strategy to diversify its international trade relationships and reduce reliance on the United States. For Türkiye, strengthening ties with Canada offers prospects for increased investment, expanded exports, and fortified industrial collaboration.
This visit signifies a crucial step towards deepening Türkiye-Canada relations, with both nations eager to transform growing diplomatic engagement into tangible trade and investment opportunities.