Canada and Turkey are on the verge of enhancing their bilateral relations in various crucial sectors, such as defense, energy, trade, and diplomacy. This initiative is expected to gain momentum during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming visit to Turkey, where he is scheduled to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara.
Potential Collaboration in Key Sectors
Reports suggest that both nations are considering a joint declaration aimed at fostering cooperation across multiple domains. According to sources, this declaration could outline the formation of specialized committees focused on each area of collaboration to develop actionable plans. Additionally, the discussions may pave the way for advancing negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement, which could also lead to improved public and diplomatic exchanges between the two countries.
As Prime Minister Carney undertakes this historic visit—marking him as the first Canadian leader to meet with Turkey separately—he is also expected to engage with Turkish business leaders in Istanbul. This multi-faceted approach emphasizes the significance Canada places on deepening its ties with Turkey, further enhancing mutual understanding and collaboration.
Energy Cooperation and Nuclear Projects
One of the pivotal topics of discussion is expected to be energy, particularly nuclear initiatives. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has indicated that nuclear energy will be high on the agenda during the talks. Turkey is keen to explore potential imports of Canadian liquefied natural gas and critical minerals, further solidifying energy links between the two nations.
The countries may establish a working group aimed at evaluating the feasibility of implementing the Canadian CANDU reactor technology for a proposed nuclear power plant along Turkey’s Black Sea coast. Recent discussions have already taken place between Turkish officials and Canadian engineering firm AtkinsRéalis, which operates the CANDU technology. Turkey has also been in negotiations with South Korean and Chinese firms regarding the construction of its second and third nuclear facilities, while the first nuclear plant is currently being developed by Rosatom, a Russian company.
Defense Sector Enhancements
In the realm of defense, discussions are expected to revolve around collaborations related to drones and maritime activities. Following the lifting of restrictions on arms exports to Turkey in 2024, including technologies for Turkish-made drones, Canada’s growing interest in defense cooperation is evident.
Moreover, Canadian officials are exploring partnerships with Turkey across various sectors, including aerospace, high-tech industries, energy, and agriculture. While discussions are expected to lead to several agreements or declarations, the specific outcomes of Prime Minister Carney’s visit remain unconfirmed.
Overall, the anticipated joint declaration underscores the strategic importance of Canada-Turkey relations. As both nations seek to expand cooperation in defense, energy, and trade, these initiatives could not only benefit their respective economies but also have broader geopolitical implications. Prime Minister Carney’s visit thus promises to be a significant step towards establishing a robust framework for bilateral collaboration.