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October 22, 2026 – Ankara, Türkiye – Global Affairs Canada
Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, concluded a highly constructive bilateral meeting in Ankara with Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. The meeting took place on the occasion of Canada’s first official bilateral prime ministerial visit to Türkiye.
The ministers focused on elevating the Canada-Türkiye relationship to a strategic partnership, tracking key outcomes following the NATO Summit held in Ankara earlier this year. They advanced discussions on a broad range of geopolitical and security concerns, including continued coordination on Euro-Atlantic security, support for Ukraine, and diplomatic efforts toward de-escalation and civilian protection in the Middle East. Minister Anand also raised the importance of respect for human rights.
A central focus of the meeting was expanding trade networks and bolstering energy security. Following up on their high-level meetings in Ankara in March and in Ottawa last June, the ministers welcomed the decision to start negotiations on a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement in November. The ministers also explored potential collaboration in energy, critical minerals and defence sector opportunities.
Minister Anand congratulated Türkiye on successfully hosting the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara and underscored its contribution to Allied unity and collective defence at a time of evolving security challenges, including those affecting maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea region. The ministers welcomed progress in implementing the Statement of Intent on Defence Cooperation, signed between the two countries in July 2026.
Minister Anand also expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s continued commitment to the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank to strengthen collective resilience and shared security objectives.
The ministers agreed to remain in close contact as they advance implementation of the Canada-Türkiye Strategic Partnership.
