Türkiye and Canada have embarked on a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering trade, investment, and security cooperation amidst global geopolitical uncertainties. The agreement was unveiled during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Ankara, highlighting a significant advancement in the relationship between the two NATO allies after more than eight decades of diplomatic ties.
Central to this partnership is a three-year action plan that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Carney have agreed upon. This plan focuses on four main areas: trade, investment and innovation; energy and climate cooperation; defense and security; and enhancing government dialogue and people-to-people relations. The leaders are committed to enhancing economic links, fostering investment, advancing energy projects, and promoting collaboration in natural resources and emerging technologies.
Defense cooperation stands out as a pivotal element of this agreement. Türkiye’s Presidency of Defense Industries and Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs have signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate partnerships between their defense sectors and explore further collaborative opportunities. Both nations have pledged to work together to promote peace and security in regions such as the Euro-Atlantic area, with special attention to Ukraine, the South Caucasus, and the Middle East, including Gaza.
To ensure ongoing engagement, the two countries will establish an annual Türkiye-Canada Strategic Dialogue and continue their Joint Economic and Trade Committee meetings, along with political-military and counterterrorism consultations. This partnership also plans to enhance cooperation on consular affairs, migration, mutual legal assistance, and extradition. Furthermore, both governments aim to encourage cultural exchanges and strengthen connections between their citizens and diaspora communities.
The foreign ministers of Türkiye and Canada will oversee the roadmap’s implementation to guarantee that the commitments lead to tangible outcomes. This agreement underscores the shared ambition of Türkiye and Canada to deepen their economic and security ties, address common international challenges, and create new opportunities for businesses, investors, and citizens alike.