Canadian PM Carney hails Türkiye as a vital NATO partner and trade ally

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly affirmed the strategic importance of Türkiye, describing it as a "vital partner" within NATO and a nation with which Canada sees substantial room to grow its relationship. In remarks delivered during a press conference in Vaughan, Ontario, Carney pointed to commercial and industrial collaboration as primary avenues for strengthening ties.

Strategic and Economic Foundations of the Partnership

"Türkiye is a vital partner in NATO, a vital partner in a very important and sometimes challenging part of the world," Carney stated, acknowledging Ankara's key geopolitical role. He then shifted focus to the economic dimension, noting "tremendous opportunity" and "a series of opportunities to deepen our commercial relationships with Türkiye." The Prime Minister revealed that initial discussions on this front were held with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during last September's UN General Assembly in New York, with plans for follow-up engagement.

Potential for Advanced Manufacturing and Defense Collaboration

Carney specifically praised Türkiye's position as "one of the leaders in manufacturing globally, including advanced manufacturing," identifying clear areas for potential partnership. He suggested that cooperation could extend beyond trade into "aspects of defense cooperation and nuclear cooperation," indicating a broad, multifaceted vision for the bilateral relationship that aligns with both nations' industrial and security interests.

Context of Canada's Domestic Industrial Policy

The Prime Minister's comments on Türkiye were made alongside the announcement of a major new national automotive strategy for Canada, which includes billions in incentives for zero-emission vehicles and stricter emissions standards. This domestic policy shift towards advanced manufacturing and green technology creates a natural context for exploring synergies with Türkiye's own industrial base, particularly in sectors like electric vehicles.