In a significant move to bolster international relations, Türkiye and Canada have embarked on a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing trade, investment, and defence cooperation amidst rising geopolitical uncertainties. This agreement was formalized during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Ankara, symbolizing a new chapter in the 83-year diplomatic relationship between the two NATO allies.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Carney have outlined a three-year action plan focused on four primary areas: trade, investment and innovation; energy and climate cooperation; defence and security; and government dialogue and people-to-people relations. This partnership aims to deepen economic ties, drive investment, and foster collaboration in natural resources and emerging technologies.
A central aspect of the agreement is the enhancement of defence cooperation. Türkiye’s Presidency of Defence Industries and Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs have signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate partnerships between their defence industries, with an eye on identifying additional collaborative opportunities. The two countries have also committed to coordinating efforts to promote peace and security within the Euro-Atlantic region and beyond, with a particular focus on areas such as Ukraine, the South Caucasus, and the Middle East, including Gaza.
To ensure continuous collaboration, Türkiye and Canada will establish an annual Türkiye-Canada Strategic Dialogue and maintain meetings of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee, along with political-military and counterterrorism consultations. The partnership also involves strengthening cooperation on various fronts, including consular affairs, migration, mutual legal assistance, and extradition, alongside efforts to encourage cultural exchanges and closer connections between their citizens and diaspora communities.
The foreign ministers from both nations will oversee the implementation of the three-year roadmap, ensuring the commitments translate into tangible outcomes. This agreement underscores the shared ambition of Türkiye and Canada to deepen their economic and security ties, address mutual international challenges, and create new opportunities for businesses, investors, and citizens.