Canada and Türkiye have agreed a new strategic partnership to expand trade, energy and defence cooperation, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan setting an ambition to more than triple annual bilateral trade to US$10 billion.
The agreement was announced following talks between Erdoğan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ankara on Thursday 22 October, during the first dedicated bilateral visit to Türkiye by a Canadian prime minister. The partnership includes a three-year action plan covering economic and security ties.
A free trade agreement has yet to be concluded. The first round of negotiations is scheduled for 30 November–4 December in Ankara, with both governments seeking to expand opportunities for businesses and investors. Erdoğan said the aim was to increase annual trade, currently worth approximately US$3 billion, first to US$5 billion and subsequently to US$10 billion. He gave no timetable for reaching those targets.
“By lowering costs, cutting barriers, and creating greater certainty, we will open new doors for companies and investors in both countries,” Carney said.
The package includes an expanded air transport agreement allowing up to 21 weekly passenger flights per country, compared with 12 previously, alongside unlimited cargo flights. The additional capacity is intended to support tourism, family visits and business links.
The NATO allies also signed a memorandum on defence industry partnerships and agreed closer energy cooperation spanning liquefied natural gas, civilian nuclear power, renewables and critical minerals. Separately, Export Development Canada and Türk Eximbank signed an agreement to help companies from both countries work together on projects in third countries. A Canadian trade mission to Türkiye is planned for 2027.
The rapprochement forms part of Carney’s drive to diversify Canada’s trading relationships amid a damaging tariff dispute with the United States. For Türkiye, it offers opportunities to attract investment and develop international partnerships in energy, manufacturing and its growing defence industry.
