Mark Carney, who is Canada’s prime minister, is preparing for a three-day visit to Türkiye as Ottawa, as he is looking to expand economic and strategic partnerships beyond its traditional dependence on the United States.
Carney will travel to Ankara and Istanbul from October 21 to 23 this year. This journey makes him the first Canadian prime minister to undertake a dedicated bilateral visit to Türkiye. In Ankara, he is expected to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, where discussions which revolve around trade, energy, mining, climate, defence and security will be held.
The visit comes at a time when Canada and Türkiye work towards a potential free trade agreement. Negotiations were launched in July during the NATO summit in Ankara, where Carney and Erdoğan discussed strengthening economic relations. Canadian and Turkish officials have since advanced the process, with public consultations in Canada concluding in September.
Economic cooperation is most likely to be a major focus. Two-way merchandise trade reached about $4.3 billion in 2025, with Canadian exports including agricultural products, aircraft and transportation equipment, and industrial machinery. Ottawa has also identified opportunities in clean technology, energy, mining, infrastructure and advanced technology.
Energy could become another important area of cooperation. Discussions which were held earlier between the two countries highlighted renewable and nuclear energy, and this included possible opportunities which involve Canadian CANDU nuclear technology. Aerospace and defence industries have also been identified as sectors where closer collaboration could benefit both sides.
Meetings with Turkish business leaders and investors will be included in Carney’s Istanbul programme. He is expected to promote Canada as a destination for investment while highlighting opportunities in energy, aerospace, advanced technologies and critical minerals.
The much wider and broader strategy clearly shows Ottawa’s effort to build stronger international economic links at a time of uncertainty in its relationship with Washington. Carney has vouched to significantly increase Canada’s trade with countries outside the United States over the coming decade.
Türkiye’s position as both a NATO ally and G20 economy gives the relationship added strategic importance. The upcoming visit could therefore provide momentum for closer commercial ties while widening cooperation across security, investment and emerging technologies.
