Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, is embarking on a two-day visit to Canada aimed at fortifying the relationship between the two countries, enhancing trade links, and fostering collaboration in the fields of energy and defense. The visit kicks off in Toronto, where Fidan will examine Canada’s expertise in nuclear energy with a tour of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station. This part of the trip underscores Turkey’s growing interest in advancing cooperation in civilian nuclear energy and securing broader energy agreements.
Beyond the energy sector, Fidan’s itinerary includes meetings with business leaders, scholars, and representatives from civil society to explore avenues for investment and economic partnership between Canada and Turkey, both of which are NATO members. The visit will then proceed to Ottawa, where Fidan is scheduled to meet with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. Their discussions are anticipated to revolve around elevating the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, enhancing high-level exchanges, and tackling trade impediments, including the long-pending negotiations for a free trade agreement.
Security issues on both regional and global scales are set to be a significant part of the dialogue, with topics such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Middle Eastern tensions, and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz on the agenda. Turkey is likely to advocate for diplomatic approaches and sustained engagement with all parties involved in these issues.
The economic ties between Turkey and Canada are on an upward trajectory, buoyed by expanding defense cooperation and greater air connectivity. Additionally, the presence of a substantial Turkish diaspora in Canada is contributing to the strengthening of bilateral trade.