Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met in Ankara to enhance diplomatic ties and explore opportunities for collaboration in various sectors. During Carney’s first official visit to Türkiye, the two leaders focused on forging a strategic partnership that includes discussions on energy, nuclear power, sustainable mining, defense, aerospace, and advanced technologies.
The visit, spanning two days, is expected to result in several agreements, including potential steps toward a free trade agreement. This follows commitments made during a recent NATO summit. A notable development is Türkiye’s decision to join Canada’s Defence, Security and Resilience Bank as a founding member, signifying increased defense and security cooperation between the nations.
Bilateral trade between Türkiye and Canada has surged by nearly 50% over the past five years, with both countries keen on further expanding commercial relations. Key areas identified for growth include energy, critical minerals, aerospace, and advanced technology. Türkiye is particularly interested in international partnerships for its future nuclear power projects, presenting Canadian companies with potential opportunities in nuclear energy and infrastructure sectors.
Trade between the two countries currently includes Canadian exports such as lentils, aerospace equipment, optical instruments, and electronics, while Türkiye exports iron and steel, machinery, fresh fruit, and dried fruit to Canada. Carney’s visit aligns with Canada’s strategy to diversify trade partners and reduce reliance on the United States, while Türkiye looks to attract investment and strengthen industrial cooperation.
This diplomatic engagement marks a significant step towards deepening Türkiye-Canada relations, aiming to convert growing diplomatic ties into tangible trade and investment opportunities that benefit both nations.