Türkiye and Canada have embarked on a significant strategic partnership, focusing on enhancing trade, investment, defense cooperation, and diplomatic coordination. This development comes amid increasing geopolitical uncertainties and was announced during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Ankara. The agreement marks a new chapter in the relationship between these two NATO allies, building on 83 years of diplomatic ties.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Carney outlined a three-year action plan centering on four crucial areas: trade, investment, and innovation; energy and climate cooperation; defense and security; and government dialogue and people-to-people relations. The partnership aims to strengthen economic connections, encourage investment, and advance collaborative energy projects, reflecting both nations’ commitment to shared principles such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
A key element of the agreement is defense cooperation. Türkiye’s Presidency of Defence Industries and Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs have signed a memorandum of understanding to foster partnerships between their defense industries and explore further avenues for collaboration. Both countries have also pledged to work together to promote peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic region and beyond, with a focus on areas like Ukraine, the South Caucasus, and the Middle East, including Gaza.
To facilitate ongoing collaboration, Türkiye and Canada will establish an annual Türkiye-Canada Strategic Dialogue and continue with Joint Economic and Trade Committee meetings, as well as political-military and counterterrorism consultations. The partnership encompasses plans to enhance cooperation on consular affairs, migration, mutual legal assistance, and extradition. Additionally, both governments aim to foster cultural exchanges and strengthen connections between their citizens and diaspora communities.
The foreign ministers of both countries are tasked with overseeing the implementation of the three-year roadmap, ensuring that the strategic commitments translate into practical outcomes. This agreement underscores the shared ambition of Türkiye and Canada to deepen their economic and security ties, tackle common international challenges, and create new opportunities for businesses, investors, and citizens.