Türkiye, Canada to launch free trade talks before year-end: President Erdogan

Ankara and Ottawa aim to raise bilateral trade from around $3 billion to $5 billion initially and eventually to $10 billion

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Türkiye and Canada aim to launch talks for a free trade agreement, as well as new projects in energy, trade, transportation and the defense industry to strengthen bilateral relations. "We hope to increase our trade volume, which currently stands at around $3 billion, to $5 billion initially and then to $10 billion through the steps we will take," Erdogan told a joint news conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ankara. Erdogan said the two sides had agreed to begin free trade agreement negotiations before the end of the year to boost trade and investment. He said elevating Türkiye-Canada relations to the level of a strategic partnership would not be merely a symbolic step on paper. "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," he said. "On my first visit to Canada, we will bring our businesspeople together and take steps forward," Erdogan added. He also welcomed Canada's sanctions targeting illegal Israeli settlements, saying Ankara considers the measures appropriate for deterring violations by Tel Aviv. On international conflicts, Erdogan said Türkiye hoped diplomatic efforts would pave the way for lasting peace in both Ukraine and the Gulf region.