Carney: Türkiye Is a ‘Vital Partner’ for Canada

Speaking at a news conference in Vaughan, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that relations with Türkiye extend beyond diplomacy, pointing to wide-ranging economic and industrial opportunities between the two countries.

“A Vital Partner Within NATO”

Carney highlighted Türkiye’s strategic importance, stressing its role within the NATO alliance.

“Türkiye is a vital partner in NATO, a vital partner in a very important and sometimes challenging part of the world,” he told reporters, underscoring Ankara’s geopolitical significance for Canada and its allies.

Expanding Trade and Commercial Ties

Focusing on economic cooperation, Carney said there is considerable scope to deepen commercial relations.

“We have a series of opportunities to deepen our commercial relationships with Türkiye,” he noted, adding that discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had already begun during the United Nations General Assembly in New York last September and would continue.

Defense and Nuclear Cooperation on the Agenda

Carney said bilateral cooperation could extend well beyond trade, pointing to strategic sectors.

He noted that collaboration may include “aspects of defense cooperation and nuclear cooperation,” while emphasizing that the overall relationship between Canada and Türkiye is broad and multifaceted.

Praise for Türkiye’s Manufacturing Strength

The Canadian prime minister also highlighted Türkiye’s position in global manufacturing.

“Türkiye is one of the leaders in manufacturing globally, including advanced manufacturing,” Carney said, adding that there are “areas where we can partner without question.”

Canada Unveils New Automotive Strategy

During the same news conference, Carney announced what he described as “a new, more ambitious sovereign path” for Canada’s auto sector.

The national automotive plan includes C$2.3 billion in new purchase and lease incentives aimed at accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

As part of the shift, the government is repealing the previous electric vehicle sales mandate and replacing it with stricter greenhouse gas emission standards for model years 2027 to 2032.

“We’re tightening our greenhouse gas emissions standards twofold, and we’re giving the industry the flexibility on how they achieve that,” Carney said.