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Canada and Turkey have begun talks on a free trade agreement as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to reduce Canada’s dependence on the United States and expand its global partnerships.
The talks began on Thursday during Carney’s landmark visit to Turkey. He is the first Canadian prime minister to make an official visit to the country. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the start of negotiations during a joint address to reporters.
“We decided to begin negotiations for a free trade agreement, which includes increasing trade and investment, before the end of the year,” Erdogan said.
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He added that Turkey hopes to increase bilateral trade from about $3 billion to $5 billion and eventually $10 billion. The two countries also plan to approximately double their direct flights. Carney said Canadian negotiators would visit Ankara next month for the first round of trade talks.
“Our goal is not self-sufficiency, it is collective resilience,” Carney said.
“And that’s why Canada is building deeper partnerships with reliable partners that create new opportunities for us both. And in Turkey, we have an exceptional partner,” he added.
Carney is scheduled to meet Turkish business leaders in Istanbul on Friday. The discussions will focus on strategic sectors, including energy, aerospace and critical minerals.
Canada and Turkey have also identified opportunities to cooperate in nuclear energy. In addition, both countries announced a new defence industry partnership.
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“Today’s new Agreement on Defence Industry Partnership will connect Canadian and Turkish companies to work together, creating good jobs at home, export opportunities abroad, greater security for our citizens, and contributing to a stronger NATO alliance,” Carney said.
Since taking office in March 2025, Carney has increased his overseas visits to strengthen Canada’s international relationships and diversify its trade partnerships. He has renewed ties with countries such as Saudi Arabia, India and China, where relations had been strained or broken under his predecessor, Justin Trudeau.
Carney has also moved closer to European partners as Canada seeks to broaden its economic and diplomatic relationships beyond Washington.
