Carney calls Türkiye 'incredibly important' ally

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday described Türkiye as an "incredibly important strategic" NATO ally and a major regional power stretching from the Balkans to the Caucasus, saying Ottawa is actively working to deepen bilateral ties with Ankara.

Regional weight

Speaking to reporters in Toronto, Carney emphasized Ankara's role across a vast region. "Türkiye is an incredibly important strategic, it's a NATO ally," he said. Pointing to the country's clout, he added: "Regionally — and I'm going to use that term with a capital R — because it is a very large region, from the Balkans through to the Middle East to the Caucasus and beyond, (it) is one of the most important strategic partners or powers in that region."

Summit visit

Carney confirmed he will travel to Türkiye for next month's NATO summit and would likely visit the country again later this year. He noted that Ottawa has been working to deepen the relationship with Ankara, adding that officials are currently scoping out further areas for bilateral engagement.

The NATO summit is scheduled for Istanbul next month, bringing together alliance leaders at a time when Canada seeks to expand its engagement with Ankara.