Türkiye and Canada plan free-trade talks before year-end, aiming to raise bilateral trade from about $3 billion to $5 billion and eventually $10 billion

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Türkiye and Canada aim to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement before the end of the year, following his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ankara. He said the goal is to boost trade and investment, with bilateral trade rising from around $3 billion to $5 billion initially and eventually reaching $10 billion.

Erdogan said the two countries also plan new projects in energy, trade, transportation and the defense industry. He described the meeting as ending a long-running disconnect between the countries, saying: “We have today overcome the disconnect that had persisted between Türkiye and Canada for many years. Now we are launching a new era between Türkiye and Canada.”

Erdogan also welcomed Canada’s sanctions targeting Israeli settlements, describing the measures as appropriate to deter violations by the Israeli government.