Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Ankara on Thursday to begin a three-day visit to Turkey, marking the first bilateral trip by a Canadian prime minister to the country. Carney is set to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. The visit aims to strengthen political and economic ties between Canada and Turkey, a NATO ally.
Carney and his wife, Diana Fox Carney, arrived in Istanbul on the second day of the trip, continuing discussions with Turkish business leaders. The visit follows a July trip to Ankara for the NATO summit, during which Carney met with Turkish officials but not the president. This current visit is described as the first direct bilateral engagement between a Canadian prime minister and Turkish leadership.
The focus of the talks includes trade, investment, and innovation. Officials hope to conclude a Canada-Turkey Free Trade Agreement. The visit also reflects Canada’s broader strategy to diversify its international partnerships, reducing reliance on the United States.
This trip is significant as it represents a shift in Canada’s diplomatic approach, emphasizing closer ties with Turkey. The meetings with Erdogan and other officials aim to address shared interests and explore opportunities for collaboration. The visit concludes with Carney’s departure from Turkey after a series of meetings in both Ankara and Istanbul.
