Türkiye and Canada have embarked on a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing their trade, investment, and security relations amidst a backdrop of global geopolitical challenges. This significant agreement was unveiled during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Ankara, marking an important milestone in the diplomatic relations between these two NATO allies, which have spanned 83 years.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Carney outlined a comprehensive three-year action plan focusing on four major areas: trade, investment and innovation; energy and climate cooperation; defense and security; and government dialogue and people-to-people relations. This partnership aspires to strengthen economic ties, boost investment, and facilitate collaboration in sectors such as natural resources and emerging technologies.
The defense sector features prominently in this agreement, with Türkiye’s Presidency of Defence Industries and Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs signing a memorandum of understanding. This pact is designed to foster partnerships between their defense industries and explore further opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, both nations have pledged to cooperate on promoting peace and security within the Euro-Atlantic region and beyond, particularly concerning Ukraine, the South Caucasus, and the Middle East, including Gaza.
To ensure ongoing engagement, Türkiye and Canada will institute an annual Strategic Dialogue and maintain the Joint Economic and Trade Committee meetings, alongside political-military and counterterrorism consultations. The partnership also extends to consular affairs, migration, mutual legal assistance, and extradition, with both governments aiming to promote cultural exchanges and stronger ties between their citizens and diaspora communities.
The foreign ministers of Türkiye and Canada will oversee the implementation of the three-year roadmap, ensuring that the commitments yield tangible results. This strategic partnership underscores both countries’ shared ambitions to fortify economic and security ties, tackle common international challenges, and create new opportunities for businesses, investors, and citizens alike.