In a significant diplomatic move, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has welcomed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Ankara for his inaugural bilateral visit to Türkiye. The visit marks a concerted effort by both nations to bolster diplomatic ties, expand trade, and deepen cooperation across a range of key industries.
During the two-day meeting, Erdoğan and Carney are expected to formalize agreements that will establish a strategic partnership, with a focus on collaboration in sectors such as energy, nuclear power, sustainable mining, defense, aerospace, and advanced technologies. These discussions are part of a broader plan to negotiate a potential free trade agreement, building upon earlier commitments made during the NATO summit.
Reflecting the growing defense and security collaboration, Türkiye has agreed to join Canada’s Defence, Security and Resilience Bank as a founding member. This development is indicative of the strengthening economic and strategic ties between the two countries, which have seen bilateral trade rise by nearly 50% over the past five years.
Both governments are keen to capitalize on further opportunities to enhance commercial relations, particularly in the realms of energy, critical minerals, aerospace, and advanced technology. Türkiye, in its pursuit of international partnerships for its planned second and third nuclear power plants, presents prospective opportunities for Canadian companies to engage in nuclear energy projects and related infrastructure.
The trade relationship is characterized by Canada exporting lentils, aerospace equipment, optical instruments, and electronics to Türkiye, while importing Turkish iron and steel, machinery, fresh fruit, and dried fruit. This visit is part of Canada’s broader strategy to diversify its international trade partnerships and reduce reliance on the United States. For Türkiye, engaging more closely with Canada could mean attracting investment, expanding exports, and enhancing industrial cooperation.
Carney’s visit signifies a pivotal step in nurturing closer Türkiye-Canada relations, with both nations poised to translate burgeoning diplomatic engagements into tangible trade and investment opportunities.