Canada and Turkiye have launched a strategic partnership covering trade, energy, defence and investment, alongside free trade negotiations and agreements intended to strengthen transport links and business cooperation.
Canada and Türkiye have announced a strategic partnership aimed at expanding bilateral trade, strengthening defence cooperation and deepening energy ties, as both NATO allies seek to broaden economic and diplomatic engagement. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the partnership in Ankara, during the first bilateral visit to Türkiye by a Canadian prime minister.
The partnership will focus on four key areas: trade and investment, energy, defence and security, and people-to-people relations. A three-year action plan is expected to guide cooperation and translate the two governments’ commitments into practical initiatives. The leaders also welcomed the launch of negotiations for a Canada-Türkiye free trade agreement, with officials expected to begin formal talks in Ankara in November.
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During the visit, the countries signed agreements covering energy, defence cooperation and air transport. The expanded air transport agreement is intended to improve connectivity, support tourism and facilitate business exchanges. Canada’s Export Development Canada and Türkiye’s Türk Eximbank are also set to strengthen cooperation to help companies pursue commercial opportunities in third-country markets.
Trade expansion is a central objective of the partnership. Bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately C$4.3 billion in 2025, according to the Canadian government. The two leaders have expressed ambitions to increase trade to US$5 billion initially and eventually US$10 billion. Potential areas for growth include aerospace, advanced technologies, mining, critical minerals and industrial cooperation.
Energy is another priority, with discussions covering liquefied natural gas, civil nuclear energy and emerging energy technologies. Türkiye is seeking investment and technical partnerships to support its energy diversification and planned nuclear power projects, while Canada is looking to expand opportunities for its energy and mining industries. Defence cooperation could also create opportunities for companies in both countries as they seek to strengthen industrial collaboration and address shared security concerns.
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The announcement comes as Canada pursues broader international trade diversification amid tensions with the United States over tariffs and trade policy. For Türkiye, stronger engagement with Canada offers opportunities to attract investment, expand exports and develop partnerships in strategic industries.
The new partnership provides a framework for closer cooperation between the two countries, although the scale and timing of future trade and investment gains will depend on the progress of negotiations and implementation of the agreed action plan.