The key facts
- Canada and Turkey announced a strategic partnership in trade, energy and defense
- Erdogan: free trade talks will begin by the end of 2026; the goal is to grow trade turnover from $3 billion to $5 billion and then $10 billion
- Amnesty International urged Canada to take into account the human rights situation in Turkey
Carney's visit to Ankara and the new partnership
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Turkey on Thursday for a two-day visit. At the presidential palace in Ankara, he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The leaders announced the elevation of Canadian-Turkish relations to a 'strategic partnership' covering trade, energy, humanitarian ties and defense. Both countries are NATO members and agreed to deepen defense cooperation.
Leaders' quotes and trade plans
Carney said: 'We have planted the seeds of something new: a strategic partnership that will create new opportunities for our workers and businesses, as well as greater security and prosperity for both of our peoples.' Erdogan said that 'a new era is beginning between Turkey and Canada,' calling Carney a leader with 'sound judgment and insight.' According to him, negotiations on a free trade agreement will begin by the end of 2026. He expressed hope to increase trade turnover from the current roughly $3 billion to $5 billion, and then to $10 billion, as well as to roughly double the number of direct flights between the countries.
Context: Canada's trade diversification
The visit takes place against the backdrop of Canada's efforts to expand trade ties beyond the United States, which accounts for almost 70% of Canadian exports. Since Donald Trump's return to office in 2025, the US has escalated a trade war against Canada and imposed tariffs on many Canadian goods, pushing Ottawa to reduce its dependence on the American market. On Friday, Carney, a former central bank governor, is scheduled to meet with Turkish business leaders in Istanbul. For context: Turkey's population is over 86 million, with the 16th-largest GDP in the world in nominal terms as of 2026; Canada has over 41 million people and the 11th-largest GDP.
Criticism from human rights advocates
The visit coincided with pressure by Erdogan's government and the ruling conservative Justice and Development Party (AKP) on the opposition and critical media, as well as with mass arrests of members of the LGBTQ+ community. Director of Amnesty International's Turkey office Ruhat Sena Aksener said: 'Canada must not treat human rights as a secondary issue in the negotiations,' adding that 'sustainable partnerships depend on accountability and respect for the rule of law.' According to Freedom House, Turkey is considered a 'not free' country with low scores for political rights and civil liberties; Reporters Without Borders rank Turkey 163rd out of 180 in the press freedom index. The AKP has ruled Turkey since 2002, consolidating power, especially around Erdogan.
