Türkiye, Canada launch strategic partnership to deepen trade, energy and defense ties

By Gizem Nisa Demir

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye and Canada on Thursday launched a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, defense, security, and technological development.

The announcement followed a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, where Erdogan welcomed Carney with an official ceremony.

The leaders held bilateral talks, followed by discussions between their delegations and a joint news conference.

- 'Canada-Türkiye partnership is essential'

In a joint statement on the partnership, the leaders said: "In an increasingly complex global security environment, rising geopolitical uncertainties, and evolving humanitarian challenges, a strong and resilient Canada-Türkiye partnership is essential, providing a foundation to mitigate shared threats and capitalise on new opportunities.”

Building on 83 years of diplomatic relations, the partnership aims to expand political dialogue, boost economic growth and trade, advance technological development, and strengthen shared security objectives, it said.

Both countries are NATO allies and reaffirmed their commitment to human rights, individual liberties, democracy, and the rule of law.

The leaders also launched a three-year action plan built around four pillars: trade, investment, and innovation; energy and climate cooperation; defense and security; and government-to-government dialogue and people-to-people ties.

- Trade, investment, and innovation

Under the first pillar, Canada and Türkiye agreed to work toward successfully concluding a bilateral free trade agreement and expanding trade and investment in priority sectors, including energy supply, defense production, aerospace, and artificial intelligence.

They also committed to ratifying the Canada-Türkiye Air Transport Agreement, strengthening cooperation between trade and export agencies, including on projects in third countries, and promoting collaboration between their innovation ecosystems.

- Energy and climate cooperation

The two countries pledged to advance cooperation across the energy sector, including liquefied natural gas, civil nuclear energy, renewable energy, clean technologies, and the resilience of critical energy infrastructure.

The plan also calls for encouraging investment, facilitating dialogue among nuclear sector stakeholders, strengthening sustainable mining and critical minerals supply chains, and expanding cooperation on climate resilience and environmental protection.

The leaders welcomed a joint statement on energy cooperation agreed upon by their respective energy and natural resources ministers.

Canada also welcomed Türkiye's role as host and president of next month’s COP31 UN Climate Change Conference in the southern city of Antalya, starting on Nov. 9.

Ottawa expressed its readiness to work closely with Türkiye's presidency to ensure a successful conference.

- Defense and security

The leaders pledged to deepen bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation, including through NATO, building on a recently signed statement of intent on defense cooperation.

They agreed to strengthen efforts to support peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic region and beyond, including in Ukraine, the South Caucasus, and the Middle East, particularly Gaza.

The statement also welcomed the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding on defense sector partnerships between Global Affairs Canada and Türkiye’s Defense Industries Secretariat.

The agreement is intended to facilitate expanded defense industry partnerships and advance discussions on further cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The leaders also emphasized the importance of initiating a dialogue on strengthening mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and extradition.

- Political dialogue and people-to-people ties

Under the fourth pillar, the countries agreed to establish an annual Canada-Türkiye Strategic Dialogue while continuing annual meetings of the joint economic and trade committee, as well as political-military and counterterrorism consultations.

They also pledged to strengthen cooperation on consular matters and migration, explore measures to facilitate travel and mobility, and promote cultural exchanges and engagement with their respective diasporas.

The two leaders agreed that their foreign ministers would oversee implementation of a three-year action plan with the goal of deepening bilateral relations, promoting international security, and building prosperous green economies.

Carney expressed appreciation for the Turkish government's warm hospitality during his visit, described in the joint statement as the first visit by a head of government between the two countries.

Türkiye also welcomed an invitation for Erdogan to visit Canada at a mutually agreeable time.

Gizem Nisa Çebi Demir