Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to make a historic visit to Turkey this month, aiming to meet President Tayyip Erdogan. This visit marks the first time in decades that a Canadian leader will embark on a dedicated bilateral trip to the country. This noteworthy event comes amid growing interest in deepening ties between Canada and Turkey.
Potential Agenda for Bilateral Talks
During his visit, discussions are expected to revolve around free trade negotiations that were initially launched during a NATO summit in Ankara back in July. Sources indicate that both leaders might explore collaborative opportunities in energy and defense sectors. Following their previous meetings, Canadian and Turkish trade ministers recently agreed to expedite these trade discussions, paving the way for deeper economic ties.
Strategic Shift in Canadian Foreign Policy
Carney is notably shifting Canada’s foreign policy focus, seeking to lessen the nation’s dependency on the United States, its primary trading partner. This strategic pivot stems from the fallout of trade negotiations earlier this year and reflects Carney’s ambition to diversify Canada’s international economic relationships. He has set an ambitious goal to double Canada’s non-U.S. trade over the next decade, engaging with various countries including China and India, which have witnessed past tensions.
Human Rights and Economic Relations
Unlike his predecessors, Carney seems to be placing less emphasis on human rights issues in foreign relations. Recent polls indicate substantial support among Canadians for initiatives aimed at strengthening the economy, particularly in light of U.S. tariffs. This pragmatic approach could facilitate smoother negotiations with Turkey, which has faced criticism from human rights organizations, especially concerning its stance on political opposition and various minority groups.
Trade Figures and Future Prospects
Despite these diplomatic efforts, bilateral trade between Canada and Turkey remains relatively modest. For instance, Turkey accounted for less than 0.3% of Canada’s total merchandise trade in 2025. While Canada primarily exports lentils, aircraft, and electronics to Turkey, it imports medical devices and other goods. The challenge remains for both nations to enhance their economic dealings, making the upcoming visit an essential step toward realizing this goal.
As they prepare for the upcoming meeting, Carney’s and Erdogan’s teams will likely continue to iron out the details. With both leaders eager to explore new market opportunities, the visit represents a significant moment for Canadian-Turkish relations, potentially paving the way for broader collaboration in various sectors, including defense and energy.