Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have established a new strategic framework underpinned by a three-year action plan. The initiative is designed to address complex global security dynamics and foster collaborative economic opportunities. According to “In an increasingly complex global security environment, rising geopolitical uncertainties, and evolving humanitarian challenges, a strong and resilient Canada-Turkiye partnership is essential, providing a foundation to mitigate shared threats and capitalise on new opportunities,”, A statement by the two leaders on Thursday. “We have today overcome the disconnect that had persisted between Turkiye and Canada for many years.
The comprehensive roadmap focuses on four primary sectors: commerce and investment, defense and security, energy development, and interpersonal connections. Leadership from both nations committed to pursuing a bilateral free trade agreement and expanding cooperation in aerospace, artificial intelligence, and defense production.
Speaking to journalists in Ankara, Erdogan stated that the two nations aim to elevate bilateral commerce from approximately $3 billion to an initial $5 billion, with a long-term goal of reaching $10 billion. According to speaking to reporters in Ankara alongside Carney on Thursday, Erdogan, The two countries “hope to increase our trade volume, which currently stands at around $3 billion, to $5 billion initially and then to $10 billion through the steps we will take”. He was scheduled to meet with Erdogan and other officials before travelling to Istanbul for talks with Turkish business groups as the two countries seek to deepen trade ties.
Formal trade negotiations are slated to begin before the conclusion of the year, with an initial session scheduled in Ankara next month.
Energy ministers have been tasked with collaborating across liquefied natural gas, nuclear power, and critical mineral supply chains.
Meanwhile, security officials intend to bolster multilateral coordination concerning regional stability in the Euro-Atlantic area, Ukraine, the South Caucasus, and the Middle East, specifically addressing Gaza.
Carney’s trip marks the initial official bilateral visit by a Canadian prime minister to Turkey, following an earlier visit for a NATO summit in July. The diplomatic outreach aligns with Canada’s broader efforts to expand international partnerships and diversify trade channels amid ongoing tariff tensions with the United States. Marked by US tariffs on Canadian goods, retaliatory measures by Can, the Canadian prime minister has sought to diversify partnerships and reduce reliance on the US amid an escalating trade war with President Donald Trump.
