Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made important statements at a joint press conference held after his meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. The two announced that they have decided to elevate relations between the two countries to a strategic level and unveiled steps to increase cooperation in many areas from the economy to defense.
Condolences and Aid for the Earthquake in Venezuela
Minister Fidan expressed condolences for those who lost their lives in the earthquakes in Venezuela. Stating that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave instructions for all kinds of aid to be provided, Fidan said that the relevant units have completed the necessary preparations and have departed for Venezuela.
A New Era in Turkiye-Canada Relations
Recalling that his Canadian counterpart visited Turkiye in March, Fidan noted that dynamic relations continue between the two countries but that the existing potential has not been fully utilized despite them being NATO allies. "Today, as two major countries, we are determined to take our potential further," Fidan said, adding that cooperation carried out on four main axes has now gained a more structural character.
Within this framework, the minister stated that they have decided to raise relations to a strategic level and that work is ongoing. He announced that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, along with Anand and Defense Minister David McGinty, will visit Ankara within the scope of the NATO summit to be held in two weeks. Fidan added that there is a possibility of Carney visiting Turkiye in the near future.
Free Trade Agreement Talks Begin
In line with the strategic goal, Minister Fidan stated that preliminary talks have begun between the relevant ministries for a Turkiye-Canada Free Trade Agreement. Stating that they predict the bilateral trade volume will increase further with the agreement entering into force, Fidan emphasized that they aim to advance the process as quickly as possible.
Nuclear Energy and Small Modular Reactors
Stating that they are acting with a strategic perspective in the field of energy, Fidan said that together with Anand, they visited the Darlington Nuclear Power Plant in Toronto and observed Canada's potential in atomic energy production once again during this visit. Reminding that Turkiye is making efforts to develop nuclear energy and is conducting intensive talks with international partners, the minister said, "Seeing both a traditional nuclear power plant and the small modular reactor (SMR) project, whose foundations are being laid, in Darlington made our visit more practical."
Fidan stated that Canada's concrete steps in the field of SMR have made a great impression on Turkiye and that they have held talks on how Turkiye can benefit from Canadian technology. "I believe that the cooperation between Turkiye and Canada will yield very positive results," Fidan said, underscoring that President Erdogan also attaches great importance to cooperation in this field.
Defense Industry, Critical Minerals, and LNG
Minister Fidan drew attention to the great potential between the two countries in the fields of critical minerals and liquefied natural gas (LNG), saying, "We aim to further develop and deepen our defense industry cooperation." He added that work is underway on numerous projects that will benefit both sides and that the necessary political will and determination exist to implement them.
Pointing out that they are increasingly converging on global and regional issues, Fidan stated that they continue their efforts to solve international problems based on diplomatic methods and dialogue.
US-Iran Ceasefire and the Strait of Hormuz
Minister Fidan expressed great satisfaction with the signing of a memorandum of understanding envisaging a ceasefire between the US and Iran. Stating that they view the extension of the ceasefire to Lebanon as a positive step, Fidan said they hope the parties will continue their constructive attitude and reach an agreement on the remaining issues as soon as possible.
Emphasizing that ensuring uninterrupted and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz is critically important at this stage, the minister said, "Turkiye will continue to contribute actively to the US-Iran negotiation process. Israel should not be allowed to sabotage the negotiations in this process. The world public must be extremely careful on this matter. The parties must act carefully and with common sense on this issue."
The Situation in Gaza and the West Bank
Stating that Gaza is still going through an extremely sensitive and unstable period, Foreign Minister Fidan said, "We are not taking our eyes off Gaza. Despite all the efforts of the international community, Israel is not fulfilling its obligations. The Netanyahu government's obstruction of the delivery of humanitarian aid is making the situation even worse."
Fidan noted that despite the ceasefire conditions, Israel is persistently expanding its military presence and further narrowing the living spaces of the civilian population. He stated that the increasing settler terror in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is seriously undermining the foundation for lasting peace. He announced that in his meeting with his Canadian counterpart, they once again confirmed their stance on resolving the Palestinian issue justly and permanently on the basis of a two-state solution and that they will continue cooperation with responsible members of the international community on this matter.
'We Are Ready to Host Russia-Ukraine Negotiations'
Stating that another problem threatening global security and stability is the Russia-Ukraine war, Fidan said he also discussed this issue with his Canadian counterpart. Emphasizing that Ankara desires the war to end as soon as possible through dialogue and on the basis of international law, the minister stated that currently there is a deadlock in the diplomatic process, that clashes have intensified, and that the parties are focused on achieving military success.
Underlining the need to revive the diplomatic process as soon as possible, Fidan said, "In this context, I would like to announce to not only the parties but also to the world public, as I have previously conveyed to them, that we are ready to bring the Russian and Ukrainian delegations together at the negotiating table in our country."
Minister Fidan stated that today's contacts are proof of deepening Turkiye-Canada relations on the basis of shared responsibility and common interests, adding that they will continue to strengthen cooperation under the guidance of their leaders.
