In a bid to bolster diplomatic relations and expand trade opportunities, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Ankara for his inaugural bilateral visit to Türkiye. This two-day engagement aims to lay the groundwork for a strategic partnership between the two nations, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as energy, nuclear power, sustainable mining, defense, aerospace, and advanced technologies.
The discussions between Erdoğan and Carney are set to include negotiations on a potential free trade agreement, building on commitments made during the recent NATO summit. A significant development in defense cooperation is Türkiye’s decision to join Canada’s Defence, Security and Resilience Bank as a founding member, reflecting the growing partnership in defense and security sectors.
Economic ties between Türkiye and Canada have seen substantial growth, with bilateral trade increasing by nearly 50% over the past five years. Both governments are eager to further expand commercial relations, particularly in areas like energy, critical minerals, aerospace, and advanced technology. Türkiye is also seeking international partners for its planned second and third nuclear power plants, with Canadian companies potentially playing a role in these nuclear energy projects.
Trade between the two countries currently includes Canadian exports such as lentils, aerospace equipment, optical instruments, and electronics to Türkiye. On the other hand, Türkiye exports iron and steel, machinery, fresh fruit, and dried fruit to Canada.
Carney’s visit is part of Canada’s broader strategy to diversify its international trade partnerships, aiming to reduce its reliance on the United States. For Türkiye, engaging more closely with Canada presents opportunities to attract investment, boost exports, and enhance industrial collaboration.
This visit underscores a significant step toward closer Türkiye-Canada relations, with both countries keen on translating growing diplomatic engagement into tangible trade and investment opportunities.