Türkiye and Canada launch strategic partnership, sign defense accord

Following talks in Ankara, President Erdoğan and Canadian Prime Minister Carney launched a strategic partnership between the two countries. The sides signed a memorandum of understanding on defense industry cooperation and announced trade volume targets of $5 billion initially and $10 billion later.

Türkiye and Canada elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership following talks between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the Presidential Complex. After the interdelegation meeting, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in the defense industry.

According to the joint statement, the strategic partnership will be implemented through a three-year action plan covering four main areas: trade and investment, defense and security, energy, and people-to-people ties. The energy ministers will work together on liquefied natural gas, nuclear energy and critical minerals.

Erdoğan ve Carney Külliye'de birlikte yürüyor

Erdoğan: We are beginning a new era

Speaking at a joint press conference, President Erdoğan said, "Today, we have overcome the long-standing disconnect between Türkiye and Canada. We are now beginning a new era between Türkiye and Canada." Erdoğan announced that they aim to increase the current trade volume of around $3 billion first to $5 billion and then to $10 billion, and that negotiations for a free trade agreement would begin before the end of the year. He said they aim to launch new projects in areas including energy, trade, transport and the defense industry in the coming period.

Carney: It will lead to a stronger NATO

Canadian Prime Minister Carney said the defense industry cooperation agreement "will increase the security of our citizens and lead to a stronger NATO alliance." Carney said, "Türkiye plays highly important roles in resolving some of the most complex conflicts in different regions of the world. Türkiye has NATO's second-largest armed forces and one of the most innovative and rapidly developing defense industries."

Carney said the agreement would bring Canadian and Turkish companies together, adding, "This partnership will continue to develop for generations to come." Describing Türkiye as an "extraordinary partner," Carney said, "Our goal is not self-sufficiency, but collective resilience."

"Peace at home, peace in the world"

Kanada ve Türkiye bayrakları

The Canadian prime minister ended his remarks with Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's words, "Peace at home, peace in the world." According to the joint statement, the two countries will also cooperate for peace and security in Ukraine, the South Caucasus and the Middle East, particularly Gaza. The first round of free trade negotiations is expected to take place in Ankara next month.

Carney's visit is the first official bilateral visit to Türkiye by a Canadian prime minister. During the visit, the Canadian prime minister is also expected to meet with representatives of the Turkish business community in Istanbul.

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Türkiye and Canada launch strategic partnership, sign defense accord