Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, arrived in Turkey on Thursday to begin a two-day visit to this Mediterranean country. During this trip, Carney met with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Turkey, at the Presidential Palace in Ankara.
New Strategic Partnership
The two leaders announced that the relations between Canada and Turkey would be elevated to a "strategic partnership" that will include areas such as trade, energy, and people-to-people connections. Carney, alongside Erdoğan, stated: "We have planted the seeds of something new: a strategic partnership that will create new opportunities for our workers and businesses and bring greater security and prosperity to both nations. With care and commitment, this partnership will grow for future generations."
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Trade and Military Agreements
Erdoğan also announced that "we are starting a new era between Turkey and Canada" and praised Carney as a leader with "wisdom and understanding." The President of Turkey added that negotiations for a free trade agreement with Canada will begin before the end of 2026. Erdoğan also expressed hope that the trade volume between the two countries, currently around $3 billion, would increase to $5 billion and then to $10 billion, with direct flights between the two countries nearly doubling.
The two countries, both members of the NATO military alliance, agreed during this visit to strengthen their defense relations as well. Carney, who previously served as the Governor of the Bank of Canada, is expected to meet with Turkish business leaders in Istanbul on Friday.
This visit comes as Canada seeks to expand its trade relations with countries beyond its southern neighbor. Nearly 70% of Canada's exports go to the United States. Since returning to the presidency, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has escalated a trade war against Canada, imposing tariffs on many Canadian goods. This situation has prompted Canada to seek to reduce its dependence on the United States.
Turkey, with a population of over 86 million and the tenth-largest GDP in the world by 2026, emerges as an important trade partner for Canada. Meanwhile, Canada, with a population of over 41 million and the eleventh-largest GDP, is looking to enhance its economic relations.
Carney's trip to Turkey also takes place amid Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) exerting significant pressure on opponents and critical media. Additionally, the Turkish government has targeted the LGBTQ+ community with widespread attacks.
Rohat Sena Akşener, the Turkey director for Human Rights Watch, stated: "Canada should not overlook human rights in its negotiations." She added: "Sustainable partnerships depend on accountability and respect for the rule of law."
The Justice and Development Party has ruled Turkey since 2002, and this party, particularly Erdoğan, has centralized power. According to the Freedom House human rights organization, Turkey is "not free" and scores poorly on political rights and civil liberties. Furthermore, Reporters Without Borders ranks Turkey 163rd out of 180 in the World Press Freedom Index.
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