Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to embark on a three-day journey to Turkey, a significant NATO partner that has garnered increased attention from Ottawa due to its economic and defense sectors. During his visit, Carney will engage in discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara and meet with business leaders in Istanbul, marking the first official bilateral visit by a Canadian prime minister to Turkey.
The diplomatic meetings signal a notable improvement in relations between the two nations following Canada’s previous imposition of an informal arms embargo. This embargo was initiated in 2021 after allegations that Turkey had rerouted Canadian-manufactured drone components to Azerbaijani forces during the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Subsequently, Canada has relaxed its stance on arms exports to Turkey.
The visit comes shortly after Turkey’s recent crackdown on dissent and civil society, particularly targeting LGBTQ+ and HIV advocacy groups. Canadian officials have indicated that the trip aligns with the prime minister’s foreign policy principles, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between values-based realism and pragmatic diplomacy.
Key issues expected to be at the forefront of discussions during Carney’s visit include negotiations for a free trade agreement, enhancing collaboration in energy and strategic industries, and strengthening defense-industrial ties. Canada currently conducts approximately $4.3 billion in trade with Turkey, with both countries announcing the initiation of free trade talks at the NATO summit in July.
One notable area of potential cooperation is in Turkey’s nuclear-energy expansion plans, where Canada’s Candu nuclear reactor technology could play a pivotal role. While details on specific outcomes are not yet disclosed, both nations have expressed interest in exploring opportunities for collaboration in the defense industry.
Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr has highlighted Turkey as a trusted partner, underscoring the importance of closer cooperation among middle powers. Areas of potential collaboration include ammunition production, drones, and counter-drone systems, with a focus on co-development programs to accelerate capability growth.
Despite previous tensions over military exports, efforts are being made to resume more regular contact and foster a stronger export relationship with Turkey. Canadian officials continue to evaluate potential exports on a case-by-case basis to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law and prevent unauthorized use of Canadian military equipment.
Overall, Carney’s visit aims to strengthen ties with Turkey, expand economic partnerships, and explore opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration in various sectors.