Canadian minister set for Ankara talks to boost Türkiye ties

Canada’s top diplomat arrives in the Turkish capital on Tuesday for high-level talks aimed at reinvigorating the strategic partnership between the two NATO allies. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to meet with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to address a comprehensive agenda spanning economic collaboration, defense projects, and pressing international crises.

Deepening economic and defense partnership

During the meeting, Fidan will stress Ankara’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and highlight the importance of sustained high-level visits. Despite being NATO partners, the current annual bilateral trade volume of approximately $2.7 billion falls significantly short of the true potential between the two nations, a point the Turkish minister is expected to underscore. Expanding cooperation in the defense sector, with projects like the HURKUS aircraft development serving as a prime example, is seen as a key avenue to solidify both military and commercial bonds. The talks will also explore collaboration in renewable energy, particularly nuclear energy, following a recent memorandum of understanding between Canada-based AtkinsRealis and the Türkiye Nuclear Energy Corporation, which could add a long-term strategic dimension to the relationship.

Security cooperation and regional crises

Security and counterterrorism efforts will also feature prominently in the discussions, reflecting the shared concerns of the two allies. Beyond bilateral matters, the ministers will engage in a comprehensive exchange on critical regional and global issues. Fidan is expected to call for unified international action to address the conflicts in the Middle East, with a focus on stopping the bloodshed and steering parties back to the negotiating table. The agenda will include the ongoing war in Gaza, the broader Palestinian question, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the latest developments in Syria.

Momentum in bilateral ties

This meeting continues a recent pattern of intensified dialogue between Ankara and Ottawa. Fidan and Anand previously met on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers meeting in December 2025 and held a phone call earlier this month. The relationship has gained notable momentum over the past year, highlighted by meetings between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in 2025. A series of reciprocal visits, including Fidan’s trip to Canada in 2023 and the former Canadian foreign minister’s visit to Ankara in 2024, along with the recent Joint Economic and Trade Committee meeting in Ottawa, have laid the groundwork for Tuesday's discussions. With around 65,000 Turkish citizens residing in Canada and significant mutual investments, the human and economic ties provide a solid foundation for the talks.