Carney, Erdogan agree to launch Canada–Türkiye free trade talks during NATO summit

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday during the NATO Summit in Ankara, where the two leaders discussed defence, security, critical minerals, energy and Canada's continued support for Ukraine, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister's Office said Carney and Erdogan also agreed to begin formal negotiations on a Canada–Türkiye Free Trade Agreement. The federal government said bilateral trade between Canada and Türkiye reached $4.3 billion in 2025 and that a trade agreement could create new opportunities for businesses, workers and investors in both countries.

Carney is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as part of his agenda at the summit. NATO leaders are expected to focus on increasing the alliance's collective defence spending while discussing the current global security environment.