Carney heads to Turkey for 1st bilateral visit to deepen ties with NATO ally

Prime Minister Mark Carney embarks on his first bilateral visit to Turkey on Wednesday for a three-day trip aimed at strengthening ties with the NATO ally. This trip marks a significant shift in diplomatic approach compared to the previous Liberal government. Carney will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara before heading to Istanbul, where he will engage with Turkish business leaders.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson will join Carney on this trip. Canada seeks to deepen political, economic, and security ties with Turkey, diversifying trade beyond the United States and attracting new global investors for Canadian infrastructure projects. Kerim Uras, former Turkish ambassador to Canada, believes this visit aligns with the "Carney doctrine" and Turkish pragmatism.

Turkey's strategic location between Europe and the Middle East, coupled with its role as an "island of stability" amid regional turmoil, makes it a valuable partner. The country has brokered a grain export deal between Russia and Ukraine, demonstrating its diplomatic capabilities. Canada and Turkey have formal diplomatic ties since 1944, with 76,000 Turkish citizens living in Canada.

Technical discussions on a potential free-trade agreement are underway, with two-way trade already totaling $4.3 billion in 2025. Uras suggests that with concerted effort, this trade volume could quadruple. Energy is a key area of interest for Canada, as Turkey's reliance on Russia and Iran for energy presents a vulnerability that Canada could help address through nuclear projects.

Canadian engineering firm AtkinsRéalis is reportedly among the leading contenders to supply two planned nuclear power plants in Turkey. Hodgson's participation in the trip underscores the importance of energy projects in bilateral discussions. Beyond nuclear energy, Turkish contractors are keen on various Canadian industries, including critical minerals, shipping, and construction. As NATO allies, Canada and Turkey have opportunities to collaborate on defence spending.