Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is embarking on a two-day visit to Canada aimed at enhancing bilateral ties through trade, energy, and defense collaboration. The trip will commence in Toronto, where Fidan will visit the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, highlighting Turkey’s interest in leveraging Canada’s expertise in nuclear energy for potential civilian nuclear projects and broader energy security initiatives.
During his stay, Fidan is slated to engage with business leaders, academics, and civil society figures to explore investment opportunities and foster economic cooperation between the two countries, both of which are NATO allies. This interaction is expected to identify areas for potential growth and investment, further bolstering the economic relationship between Turkey and Canada.
In Ottawa, Fidan is scheduled to meet with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. Their discussions are anticipated to concentrate on elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership level, facilitating high-level exchanges, and addressing existing trade barriers. A significant focus will be on advancing a long-negotiated free trade agreement, which has been a topic of discussion between the two nations.
The talks will also cover pressing regional and global security issues, such as the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, rising tensions in the Middle East, and maritime security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. Turkey is likely to advocate for diplomatic solutions and emphasize the importance of continued engagement with relevant parties to address these challenges.
Bilateral trade between Turkey and Canada has been on an upward trajectory, supported by growing defense cooperation and increased air connectivity, alongside the presence of a significant Turkish diaspora in Canada. These factors continue to strengthen the ties between the two nations, providing a foundation for future partnerships.