As US ties fray, Canada turns to Turkey for defense, nuclear cooperation
Canada and Turkey aim to expand bilateral trade from $3 billion to $5 billion within five years, targeting an eventual $10 billion.
ANKARA — Frictions between Washington and Ottawa are opening a strategic window for Turkey, which is pushing to deepen defense-tech, nuclear and investment ties with Canada under a newly established strategic partnership.
While Canadian prime ministers have previously visited Turkey for international gatherings, Prime Minister Mark Carney on Oct. 22 became the first to pay a bilateral visit. He was accompanied by a large delegation, including Energy Minister Tim Hodgson and Foreign Minister Anita Anand. The visit yielded a series of agreements and commitments aimed at deepening bilateral ties, with a particular focus on defense, energy and trade cooperation.
Following the talks in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Carney announced a strategic partnership and a three-year plan to increase bilateral trade, mutual investments and cooperation in areas including defense, energy and mining, though no further details were provided.
Officials from the two countries also signed three memoranda of understanding during the visit on defense industry cooperation, aviation and energy, potentially paving the way for joint projects and access to new export markets. The two sides also agreed to hold the first round of free trade agreement talks in Ankara in November.
