Carney and Erdoğan launch Canada-Turkey strategic partnership as free trade talks are set for November

Summary

Prime Minister Mark Carney made the first dedicated bilateral visit to Turkey by a Canadian prime minister since diplomatic relations began in 1943. In Ankara, he and President Erdoğan unveiled a Strategic Partnership built on four pillars: trade and investment, defence and security, energy, and people-to-people ties. The video frames it as a structure designed to last, not a photo opportunity.

The partnership includes a first round of Canada-Turkey free trade talks in Ankara in November, a defence industry cooperation agreement, and an air transport agreement that would mean more direct flights. Carney framed the goal as collective resilience rather than self-sufficiency, and the two countries will hold annual foreign ministers' meetings and follow a three-year action plan. Bilateral merchandise trade stands at ~$4.34B CAD, up nearly 50% in five years.

The video argues the hard questions remain. Turkey aims to add ~20 GW of nuclear power by 2050, and Energy Minister Tim Hodgson declined to comment on a possible CANDU bid. Amnesty International called on Carney to raise human rights during the trip. The video also recalls the Wescam camera dispute, a rupture that raises the question of whether trust has kept pace with trade.

Key points

• Carney's visit is the first dedicated bilateral visit to Turkey by a Canadian prime minister since relations began in 1943.
• The four pillars are trade and investment, defence and security, energy, and people-to-people ties.
• The first round of Canada-Turkey free trade talks is set for November, in Ankara.
• Canada-Turkey merchandise trade is ~$4.34B CAD, up nearly 50% in five years.
• Turkey aims to add ~20 GW of nuclear power by 2050; Energy Minister Tim Hodgson declined to comment on a CANDU bid.
• EDC will sign a deal with Türk Eximbank targeting Middle East and African markets.

Questions answered