Canada and Turkey Launch Strategic Partnership, Free Trade Talks

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan launched a new "strategic partnership" and committed to advancing a comprehensive free trade agreement during Carney's bilateral visit to Ankara on October 22, 2026[6][8][15]. This marks the first official bilateral visit by a Canadian prime minister to Turkey[18][23].

This initiative is a significant step in Canada's stated strategy to diversify its trade relationships beyond the United States, aiming to double non-U.S. exports by 2035 amidst new tariffs impacting cross-border trade[3][9][10]. The expanded partnership with Turkey supports this goal by opening new markets and strengthening economic ties.

What the records show

On October 22, 2026, Prime Minister Carney met President Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, where they officially launched the Canada-Türkiye Strategic Partnership[8][15][27]. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office confirms the partnership includes a three-year action plan focused on four pillars: trade, investment, innovation, defense, security, energy, and people-to-people ties[8][16]. A key objective of this partnership is to work toward a comprehensive Canada-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement and to ratify an updated Air Transport Agreement[8][20]. During the visit, a memorandum of understanding on defense industry partnerships was also signed[28]. Two-way merchandise trade between the two nations reached $4.3 billion in 2025, an increase of nearly 50% since 2020[21]. The updated Air Transport Agreement is set to nearly double the maximum number of weekly passenger flights from 12 to 21 for each country, with no limits on all-cargo flights[22].

The timeline

The groundwork for this expanded relationship began in July 2026, when Prime Minister Carney and President Erdoğan first announced the launch of negotiations for a free trade agreement on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Ankara[1][7]. In September 2026, the Canadian government formally tabled a Notice of intent to initiate these negotiations[7]. Canada's broader strategy to diversify trade, driven by a goal to double non-U.S. exports by 2035, gained urgency due to new tariffs[3][10]. Prime Minister Carney, who became Canada's 24th Prime Minister in 2025, has publicly emphasized Canada's need to adapt by building strategic autonomy in a changing global order[2][12][13][14]. The visit on October 22, 2026, culminated in the formal launch of the strategic partnership and further commitment to the FTA discussions[4][5][6].

What changed and for whom

For Canada, the strategic partnership with Turkey directly supports its aim to expand trade and reduce reliance on the U.S. market, a goal reinforced by recent tariff challenges[3][9]. For Turkey, the partnership enhances economic and security cooperation with a NATO ally, boosting its trade volume and connectivity[18][21]. The updated Air Transport Agreement offers increased travel and cargo options between the two countries, benefiting both tourism and commerce[22]. The three-year action plan provides a structured framework for future collaboration across various sectors[8][16].

What the subject has said publicly

Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada is establishing a "strategic partnership" with Turkey, specifically mentioning the pursuit of a free-trade agreement[5]. He also indicated that the strategic partnership would be based on four pillars and outlined a three-year action plan[25]. President Erdoğan confirmed the signing of a memorandum of understanding concerning defense industry partnerships following their discussions[28]. Both leaders had previously issued a joint statement in July 2026 announcing the initiation of free trade agreement negotiations[1][7].

What we could not confirm

Specific details regarding the memorandum of understanding on defense industry partnerships, including its precise scope and immediate implications, were not detailed in the available records. The projected timelines for the completion and ratification of the comprehensive Free Trade Agreement negotiations also remained unconfirmed. The records did not include public or official reactions from other international bodies or trade partners to this new strategic partnership.