Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has arrived in Turkey for a two-day visit to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This encounter marks the first bilateral visit by a Canadian leader to Turkey.
The visit is part of a global trade blitz by Carney to forge new partnerships and deepen trade with middle powers. By upgrading relations to a strategic partnership, Canada seeks to diversify its trade and reduce its reliance on the United States, which is seen as increasingly protectionist and unpredictable under Trump. This move is intended to buffer Canada from a potential trade war with the U.S.
The two leaders will focus on increasing cooperation in the areas of energy and defense. They will also work toward the conclusion of a Canada-Turkiye Free Trade Agreement focusing on investment, innovation, and trade, with negotiators set to begin trade talks next month.