Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, will meet with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Turkey, in Ankara on Thursday. This visit is considered the first bilateral visit by a Canadian leader to Turkey and aims to strengthen trade relations with other 'middle power' countries and reduce dependence on the United States.
Cooperation Agreements in Four Areas
During this meeting, Carney and Erdoğan are expected to sign an agreement that deepens cooperation in four key areas including defense and energy. This move is part of Carney's efforts to enhance Canada's global standing, especially in trade and investment.
Carney is on a global trade mission aimed at creating a shield for Canada against trade tensions with the United States. During Donald Trump's presidency, the United States imposed heavy tariffs on Canadian goods and raised questions about the sovereignty of this country.
Growth of Bilateral Trade between Canada and Turkey
Although trade between Canada and Turkey is still relatively small, with Turkey accounting for less than 0.3 percent of Canada's total goods trade, this trade has increased by nearly 50 percent over the past five years. Carney clearly conveys the message during this trip that Canada seeks to establish stronger trade relations with other countries and does not intend to remain dependent on the United States.
Ankara is also looking to attract new investments and collaborate in the defense industry, new nuclear power plants, and the mining sector. Carney is also seeking to create new economic opportunities for Canada on a global scale.
In the past year, Canada has signed over 20 trade agreements, which are part of Carney's efforts to double non-U.S. exports in the next decade. He traveled to Beijing in January and signed an agreement to reduce tariffs on electric vehicles and canola seeds.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite criticisms of China as a security threat, Carney has described the country as a 'more predictable' trading partner compared to the United States. Currently, Canada sends nearly 70 percent of its exports to the United States.
Turkey's repressive actions against opponents and arrests related to the LGBTQ+ community in recent years have drawn significant criticism. However, Carney has placed less emphasis on human rights during this trip and is trying to maintain his role as a middle power in supporting equality while opening new economic opportunities for Canada.
Ankara emphasizes the independence of its judiciary and has rejected any claims of political motivations behind investigations or cases. The country has also been in negotiations with Canadian companies and others for the construction of its new nuclear power plants.
