Canada and Turkiye are expected to sign a joint declaration to strengthen cooperation in defence, energy, trade and diplomatic relations during Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Mark Carney’s visit later this week, a person briefed on the matter has told a media organisation.
The declaration will also seek to advance free trade talks and expand economic and social ties between the two North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) allies. The countries plan to establish committees in each area to develop action plans, the person added.
Carney will meet Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Thursday before holding talks with Turkish business leaders in Istanbul on Friday. He will be the first Canadian prime minister to make a dedicated bilateral visit to Turkiye.
The visit comes as Carney seeks to reduce Canada’s reliance on the United States for trade and build partnerships with other regional powers amid an ongoing trade dispute with Washington.
President of the United States Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned Canada’s sovereignty, adding to tensions between the neighbouring countries.
Canadian government officials declined to confirm on Tuesday which declarations, agreements or deals might be signed during the visit.
A Canadian government official said that Carney’s meeting with Erdogan would focus on advancing cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defence and security and people-to-people ties.
The official added that meetings with Turkish companies in Istanbul aimed to strengthen bilateral trade and investment and identify new commercial opportunities.
Ottawa is particularly interested in expanding cooperation with Turkiye in aerospace, defence, energy, mining, high technology and agriculture, the official said.
Turkiye’s presidency and foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
