Türkiye expects Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit this week to elevate ties with Canada to the level of a strategic partnership as both governments negotiate a free trade agreement.
Burhanettin Duran, head of communications for Türkiye’s presidency, said the official visit is scheduled for Oct. 22-23 at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Duran said the leaders are expected to review bilateral cooperation and regional and global issues, with agreements in several areas planned for signing. He described the upgrade and signings as planned.
Carney’s office scheduled his wider trip to Ankara and Istanbul for Oct. 21-24. Ottawa says no Canadian prime minister has previously made a bilateral visit to Türkiye. The itinerary includes a meeting with Erdoğan in Ankara and sessions with investors and business leaders in Istanbul; Canada names energy, mining, defense and trade as priority areas.
At a July meeting, Carney and Erdoğan announced the launch of free trade negotiations. Global Affairs Canada lists the agreement as under negotiation. Canada’s consultation on a possible pact closed in September, and the agency says it will publish a report summarizing feedback. The July joint statement called for technical teams to prepare for an initial negotiating round but set no date.
Canada’s negotiating objectives cite trade diversification and opportunities for businesses and workers as reasons to pursue the pact. Canadian imports from Türkiye came to CA$3.2 billion in 2025, against CA$1.1 billion in exports, Carney’s office said, putting two-way goods trade at CA$4.3 billion.
Anadolu Agency has reported a two-stage trade goal if the deal is completed: $7 billion to $8 billion initially, then $10 billion, with no timetable given. The next indicator is whether leaders announce the partnership upgrade and agreements during the Oct. 22-23 official visit.
