Strategic partnership։ Canada and Turkey forge trade and defense deals

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a “strategic partnership” Thursday as Canada seeks to reduce its dependence on the United States, AP news reports.

The two leaders oversaw the signing of three cooperation agreements covering the defense industry, transportation and energy. They also announced the start of negotiations on a free trade agreement.

“Elevating our relations to the level of a strategic partnership will not remain merely on paper; it will not be a merely symbolic step,” Erdogan said.

Carney has sought to diversify Canada’s partnerships amid an escalating trade war with the U.S. after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods. The dispute has been marked by Canadian retaliation and statements by Trump questioning Canada’s sovereignty. “No country, whatever it’s blessed with, no country builds strength alone. The most resilient countries bring together complementary strengths, with trusted partners,” Carney said.

Carney is making the first bilateral visit to Turkey by a Canadian prime minister, although he traveled to Ankara in July for the NATO summit. He is scheduled to visit Istanbul on Friday for talks with Turkish business groups.

In a sign of improving ties, Canada lifted its ban on the export of weapons to Turkey in 2024. It had imposed the restrictions following Turkey’s military incursions into Syria and over Turkey’s support for Azerbaijan in its conflict with Armenia, including providing equipment that used Canadian-made parts.

Amnesty International on Thursday urged Carney to raise human rights concerns during his trip.

His visit comes amid an intensified crackdown on Turkey’s opposition.