Türkiye and Canada have embarked on a strategic partnership to enhance cooperation in trade, defense, and diplomatic coordination, as announced during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Ankara. This initiative marks a significant development in the relationship between the two NATO allies, who have maintained diplomatic ties for 83 years.
The agreement, spearheaded by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Carney, outlines a three-year action plan focusing on four key areas: trade, investment and innovation; energy and climate cooperation; defense and security; and government dialogue and people-to-people relations.
A central component of this partnership is defense cooperation. Türkiye’s Presidency of Defence Industries and Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs have signed a memorandum of understanding to foster collaboration between their defense industries and explore new areas for joint efforts. Additionally, both nations have committed to promoting peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic region, with a particular focus on Ukraine, the South Caucasus, and the Middle East, including Gaza.
The strategic partnership aims to bolster economic connections by encouraging investment, advancing energy projects, and promoting collaboration in natural resources and emerging technologies. Both countries have reaffirmed their dedication to common principles such as democracy, human rights, individual freedoms, and the rule of law.
To ensure regular engagement and implementation of the partnership’s goals, Türkiye and Canada will establish an annual Türkiye-Canada Strategic Dialogue and continue the meetings of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee, alongside political-military and counterterrorism consultations.
The agreement also includes plans to enhance cooperation in consular affairs, migration, mutual legal assistance, and extradition. Furthermore, Türkiye and Canada intend to encourage cultural exchanges and foster closer connections between their citizens and diaspora communities.
The foreign ministers of both countries will oversee the implementation of this comprehensive three-year roadmap to ensure that the commitments translate into tangible outcomes, reflecting a shared ambition to deepen economic and security ties while addressing international challenges.