June 8, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Minister of International Trade of Canada, Maninder Sidhu, and the Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye met to advance the strong and growing economic partnership between our two countries.

Building on the recent call between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening the Canada-Türkiye trade and investment relationship. To that end, they agreed to launch exploratory discussions toward a free trade agreement, a step that reflects the ambition of both countries to unlock the full potential of the commercial partnership.

The Ministers welcomed the recent expansion of the Air Transport Agreement, which strengthens connectivity between our two countries and opens new opportunities for travellers, businesses, and exporters. Enhanced air links will support stronger commercial ties and bring our economies closer together.

The Ministers recognized the deep people-to-people ties that anchor the Canada-Türkiye relationship. Vibrant communities, family connections, and shared cultural and educational exchanges continue to form the foundation of a partnership that extends well beyond commerce.

The Ministers identified energy as a promising area for expanded cooperation. They agreed to explore opportunities in renewable energy as both countries advance their clean energy transitions, as well as in nuclear energy, including the potential of Canadian CANDU technology to support Türkiye’s diversification goals.

The Ministers also welcomed the prospect of closer collaboration in aerospace, a sector where both countries bring world-class capabilities and innovation. They committed to exploring partnerships that can drive growth, investment, and shared technological advancement, including through defence, security, and related industrial cooperation.

To sustain this momentum, the Ministers agreed to exchange visits, with each Minister extending an invitation to visit the other’s country. These visits will provide an opportunity to deepen dialogue, engage business communities, and identify concrete avenues for collaboration.

The Ministers look forward to continued close engagement as Canada and Türkiye work together to expand trade, attract investment, and deliver lasting benefits for the people of both countries.