Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have embarked on a significant mission to enhance bilateral relations between Türkiye and Canada. During Carney’s inaugural visit to Ankara, both leaders have set their sights on establishing a strategic partnership that could lead to expanded cooperation across multiple industries.
Throughout the two-day visit, Erdoğan and Carney are expected to sign agreements that will solidify collaboration in areas such as energy, nuclear power, sustainable mining, defense, aerospace, and advanced technologies. This marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relations of the two countries, reflecting a shared commitment to deepen economic and diplomatic ties.
A potential free trade agreement is on the table, with discussions building on commitments made during the recent NATO summit. In a move that signals growing cooperation in defense and security, Türkiye has agreed to join Canada’s Defence, Security and Resilience Bank as a founding member.
The economic bond between Türkiye and Canada has been strengthening, evidenced by a nearly 50% increase in bilateral trade over the past five years. There are burgeoning opportunities for commercial expansion, particularly in the fields of energy, critical minerals, aerospace, and advanced technology. Türkiye is also exploring partnerships for its planned nuclear power projects, presenting Canadian enterprises with potential involvement in nuclear energy infrastructure.
Trade is a key aspect of this relationship, with Canada exporting lentils, aerospace equipment, optical instruments, and electronics to Türkiye, while Türkiye sends iron and steel, machinery, and various fruits to Canada. Carney’s visit aligns with Canada’s broader strategy to diversify its international trade partnerships, reducing its reliance on the United States. For Türkiye, this engagement with Canada could attract greater investment and bolster industrial cooperation.
The visit by the Canadian prime minister is a significant step towards transforming growing diplomatic engagement into tangible trade and investment opportunities, highlighting the mutual benefits of closer Türkiye-Canada relations.