ANKARA, Türkiye — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have announced the launch of a Canada–Türkiye Strategic Partnership, supported by a three-year action plan aimed at strengthening trade, investment, defence, energy security and people-to-people ties.
The announcement came during Carney’s two-day visit to Türkiye, as Canada seeks to diversify its international economic partnerships and reduce its dependence on the United States.
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“In an increasingly complex global security environment, rising geopolitical uncertainties, and evolving humanitarian challenges, a strong and resilient Canada-Türkiye partnership is essential, providing a foundation to mitigate shared threats and capitalise on new opportunities,” the two leaders said in a joint statement on Thursday.
Building on 83 years of diplomatic relations, the partnership aims to deepen cooperation between the two NATO allies across four key pillars: trade, investment and innovation; energy and climate cooperation; defence and security; and government dialogue and people-to-people relations.
Trade, Investment and Innovation
Under the agreement, Canada and Türkiye will work towards successfully concluding a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, with the aim of expanding economic ties and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
The leaders also agreed to increase bilateral trade and investment in priority sectors, including energy supplies, defence production, aerospace and artificial intelligence (AI).
Other priorities include advancing the Canada–Türkiye Air Transport Agreement, strengthening cooperation between trade and export agencies, exploring opportunities in third-country markets and promoting collaboration between innovation ecosystems.
Defence and Security Cooperation
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation, including through NATO.
They also agreed to enhance cooperation in support of peace and security across the Euro-Atlantic region and beyond, particularly in Ukraine, the South Caucasus and the Middle East, including Gaza.
The partnership includes plans to expand collaboration between the two countries’ defence industries, building on a memorandum of understanding between Global Affairs Canada and Türkiye’s Presidency of Defence Industries.
Canada and Türkiye will also explore ways to strengthen mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and extradition.
Energy Security and Climate Cooperation
Energy cooperation will be another central pillar, with both countries seeking to advance collaboration in liquefied natural gas (LNG), civil nuclear energy, renewable energy, clean technologies and critical energy infrastructure.
The two governments will encourage investment in the energy sector, strengthen dialogue between nuclear industry stakeholders and deepen cooperation on sustainable mining and critical mineral supply chains.
The agreement also prioritises climate resilience, environmental protection and the development of clean technologies.
Canada welcomed Türkiye’s role as host and president of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to take place in Antalya from November 9 to 20, 2026.
Annual Strategic Dialogue and Closer Bilateral Ties
The partnership will establish an annual Canada–Türkiye Strategic Dialogue to oversee progress and coordinate cooperation on shared priorities.
The two countries also agreed to continue annual Joint Economic and Trade Committee meetings, alongside political-military and counterterrorism consultations. Additional measures will focus on consular affairs, migration, travel and mobility, cultural exchanges and engagement with diaspora communities.
Carney and Erdoğan agreed that their foreign ministers would oversee implementation of the three-year action plan, with the goal of deepening bilateral relations, promoting international security and supporting prosperous, sustainable and green economies.
Carney thanked the Turkish government for its warm hospitality during his visit, which the joint statement described as the first visit by a head of government between the two countries. Türkiye also welcomed an invitation for Erdoğan to visit Canada at a mutually convenient time.
The new strategic partnership marks a significant step in Canada–Türkiye relations, with both governments seeking to broaden economic cooperation, strengthen defence ties and build more resilient international partnerships amid shifting geopolitical and economic conditions.
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