During a historic visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Turkey, the leaders of the two countries announced the launch of negotiations on a free trade agreement.
This is the first bilateral visit by a Canadian prime minister to Turkey. Carney met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara on 22 October 2026.
The sides launched a strategic partnership backed by a three-year action plan. It covers four areas: trade and investment, defense and security, energy, and people-to-people ties.
The first round of negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement will take place in Ankara from 30 November to 4 December 2026.
Bilateral trade has grown by almost 50% since 2020 and now stands at around 3–4,3 billion dollars. The leaders aim to increase it first to 5 billion and then to 10 billion dollars.
In addition, a memorandum between Export Development Canada and Türk Eximbank on joint projects in third countries was signed, and an air services agreement was updated.
The visit comes amid Canada's desire to diversify trade and reduce dependence on the United States. Turkey, as a NATO member, is seen as a promising partner with a dynamic economy and access to the markets of Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
How will this affect the long-term relations between the two countries?
Erdoğan noted that the partnership must bring concrete results rather than remain on paper. Carney emphasized that the seeds of new cooperation have been planted for the prosperity of both nations.
