Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to begin a three-day visit to Turkey on Wednesday to sign agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in energy, defense, and security, according to senior Canadian government officials. The visit marks the first bilateral trip by a Canadian prime minister focused exclusively on relations with Turkey.
During his visit, Carney is scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Thursday to discuss trade, investment, defense collaboration, and people-to-people ties. Officials indicated that the two leaders will provide an update on ongoing negotiations for a Canada-Turkey free trade agreement. The Prime Minister will also engage with business representatives in Istanbul on Friday before returning to Canada on Saturday.
Turkey, with a population of approximately 87 million and the 16th largest economy globally, represents a strategic partner for Canada as it seeks to diversify its trade relationships amid ongoing tensions with the United States. Canada’s government has emphasized a “values-based realism” foreign policy under Carney’s leadership, moving away from the previous administration’s focus on progressive values and adopting a more pragmatic approach to international partnerships.
Turkey has faced criticism recently over its domestic policies, including the takeover of a pro-opposition media outlet, raids on LGBTQ organizations, and the conviction of comedian Deniz Goktas for insulting the president. Canadian officials have not confirmed whether Carney plans engagements with LGBTQ community members, independent journalists, or Goktas during the visit.
The Canadian government is exploring opportunities to supply Turkey with CANDU nuclear reactors, supporting Ankara’s goal to add 20 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2050. Additional proposals include exporting Canadian critical minerals, liquefied natural gas, and fostering Turkish investment in Canadian mining ventures. Defense cooperation is expected to cover areas such as drone technology, aerospace, naval systems, shipbuilding components, munitions production, and vehicles, reflecting Turkey’s status as the world’s 11th largest arms exporter between 2021 and 2025, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Turkey’s ambassador to Canada, Can Dizdar, expressed optimism about the evolving relationship, describing future cooperation prospects as "the sky is the limit." The visit also aligns with broader efforts by Carney’s government to repair relations with key global partners, including China and India, following diplomatic strains in recent years.
Foreign policy experts note that Carney’s active engagement with Turkey underscores its importance as a pivotal actor in the Middle East. Vina Nadjibulla, CEO of the Centre for Strategic Statecraft, highlighted the significance of the timing and focus of the visit in advancing Canada's role as a middle power within a shifting global order.
This visit follows Carney’s announcement of free trade talks with Turkey at the NATO leaders’ summit in Ankara in July, reflecting a strategic push to deepen bilateral ties and diversify economic partnerships beyond North America.