Türkiye and Canada revealed plans to begin exploratory talks on establishing a free trade agreement (FTA), according to a joint statement from the nations’ trade ministries on Tuesday.
Türkiye’s Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and Canada’s Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu held a meeting to strengthen and further develop the expanding economic ties between the two countries, according to the statement.
“Building on the recent call between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Mark Carney, the ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening the Türkiye-Canada trade and investment relationship,” the statement read.
“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 commercial partnership,” it added.
The statement noted that the ministers also expressed support for the recent expansion of the Air Transport Agreement, which enhances connectivity between Türkiye and Canada while creating new opportunities for travelers, businesses, and exporters.
The statement further stressed that the ministers acknowledged the strong people-to-people ties underpinning the bilateral relationship. It also highlighted that energy has been identified as a priority area for enhanced cooperation.
Both sides agreed to explore opportunities in renewable energy as both countries advance their clean energy transitions, as well as in nuclear energy, including the potential application of Canada’s CANDU technology to support Türkiye’s efforts to diversify its energy sources.
It also emphasized that the ministers welcomed prospects for deeper collaboration in aerospace and agreed to exchange visits, reaffirming their commitment to continued close engagement as Türkiye and Canada work together to expand trade, attract investment, and achieve long-term mutual benefits.
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