Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have announced a new strategic partnership aimed at strengthening trade, defence, energy and diplomatic cooperation as Canada seeks to reduce its economic dependence on the United States.
The agreement was announced on Thursday, October 22, 2026, during Carney’s official visit to Ankara, marking the first bilateral visit to Turkey by a sitting Canadian prime minister. The partnership includes new cooperation agreements and the launch of negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between the two countries.
The move comes amid continuing trade tensions between Canada and the United States following tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Carney has made diversifying Canada’s international economic relationships a central part of his strategy to strengthen the country’s economy and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses.
Canada and Turkey Strengthen Strategic Ties
During the meeting, Carney and Erdoğan announced a strategic partnership built around four key areas: trade and investment, energy, defence and security, and people-to-people relations.
The two leaders also oversaw agreements covering defence industry cooperation, transportation and energy. The expanded Canada-Türkiye Air Transport Agreement is intended to improve connectivity, encourage tourism and make it easier for businesses in both countries to develop commercial relationships.
Carney described international partnerships as essential to economic resilience and security, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between trusted allies.
The two countries are also establishing closer institutional ties to help turn their commitments into practical projects and long-term economic opportunities.
Free Trade Negotiations Offer New Opportunities
The announcement of free trade negotiations represents a significant step in efforts to expand commercial relations between the two NATO allies.
According to the Canadian government, bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately C$4.3 billion in 2025, including C$1.1 billion in Canadian exports and C$3.2 billion in imports from Turkey.
Both governments see opportunities to increase trade in sectors such as aerospace, advanced technologies, mining, critical minerals and energy.
Erdoğan has also expressed ambitions to increase annual bilateral trade from approximately $3 billion to $5 billion initially, with a longer-term goal of reaching $10 billion.
Carney is expected to continue discussions with Turkish business leaders in Istanbul, where he will promote investment opportunities and explore ways to expand commercial cooperation. Canada has also announced plans for a trade mission to Turkey in 2027.
Defence and Energy Cooperation in Focus
Defence cooperation is another major component of the new partnership. The agreement is expected to create opportunities for Canadian and Turkish defence companies to collaborate on equipment, technology and capabilities relevant to their shared security interests as NATO members.
Canada lifted restrictions on certain military-related exports to Turkey in 2024, reopening avenues for closer defence industry cooperation.
Energy is also expected to play a central role. Discussions have included potential cooperation in liquefied natural gas, civilian nuclear energy and emerging energy technologies.
Canada has expressed interest in Turkey’s plans for additional nuclear power plants, including a proposed facility on the Black Sea coast. Such cooperation could create opportunities for Canadian engineering and nuclear technology companies, although any specific projects would require further negotiations and approvals.
Carney Seeks to Diversify Canada’s International Partnerships
Canada’s closer engagement with Turkey reflects Carney’s broader effort to expand trade relationships beyond its largest economic partner, the United States.
The two countries remain closely connected through geography, supply chains and longstanding commercial ties. However, Washington’s tariffs and the resulting trade tensions have encouraged Ottawa to pursue additional markets and reduce its exposure to disruptions in bilateral relations.
The partnership with Turkey does not immediately change Canada’s dependence on the U.S. market, but it provides another avenue for developing trade, investment and security cooperation.
The agreement also comes amid criticism from human rights organizations over Turkey’s treatment of opposition figures, journalists and activists. These concerns present a diplomatic challenge for Canada as it seeks closer economic and defence ties while maintaining its stated commitment to human rights and democratic principles.
As Carney continues his visit, the focus will be on translating the new partnership into concrete agreements, investment and commercial opportunities. The success of the initiative will depend on the progress of free trade negotiations and the ability of both countries to turn their commitments into lasting cooperation.
Swifteradio.com
