In a move to bolster international relations and economic collaboration, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has welcomed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Ankara for a significant bilateral meeting. This visit marks Carney’s first official trip to Türkiye, aimed at enhancing diplomatic ties and expanding trade between the two nations.
Over the course of the two-day visit, Erdoğan and Carney are expected to sign several agreements that will pave the way for a strategic partnership. Their discussions are set to include potential cooperation in areas such as energy, nuclear power, sustainable mining, defense, aerospace, and advanced technologies. One of the key topics on the table is a potential free trade agreement, building on commitments made during the recent NATO summit. Additionally, Türkiye has agreed to join Canada’s Defence, Security and Resilience Bank as a founding member, highlighting their growing collaboration in defense and security.
Economic ties between Türkiye and Canada have been strengthening, with bilateral trade increasing by nearly 50% over the past five years. Both countries see significant opportunities to further expand commercial relations, particularly in critical sectors such as energy, critical minerals, aerospace, and advanced technology. Notably, Türkiye is exploring 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 two nations currently includes a variety of goods. Canada exports products like lentils, aerospace equipment, optical instruments, and electronics to Türkiye, while Türkiye sends iron and steel, machinery, fresh fruit, and dried fruit to Canada. For Canada, Carney’s visit aligns with a broader strategy to diversify its international trade partnerships and decrease reliance on the United States, while Türkiye aims to attract investment, expand exports, and strengthen industrial cooperation through closer engagement with Canada.
The visit signifies a crucial step toward deepening Türkiye-Canada relations, as both governments seek to translate growing diplomatic engagement into tangible trade and investment opportunities. As agreements are finalized, the bilateral relationship is poised to enter a new phase of collaboration, benefiting both countries economically and strategically.