Turkey and Canada have agreed to launch exploratory talks aimed at reaching a free trade agreement, according to a joint ministerial statement released by Turkey’s Ministry of Trade on Tuesday.
The statement said Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu met in Ankara to discuss ways to advance what it described as a strong and growing economic partnership between the two countries.
The ministers agreed to begin exploratory discussions toward a free trade agreement, “a step that reflects the ambition of both countries to unlock the full potential of the commercial partnership,” the statement said.
Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Ticaret Bakanlığı ve Kanada Uluslararası Ticaret Bakanlığı ortak bakanlık açıklaması.
Joint ministerial statement by the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye and the Ministry of International Trade of Canada.
(09.06.2026) pic.twitter.com/3dltth7Hi6
— T.C. Ticaret Bakanlığı (@ticaret) June 9, 2026
The meeting followed a recent phone call between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, according to the statement, which said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening trade and investment ties.
The ministers also welcomed the recent expansion of a bilateral air transport agreement that increased weekly all-cargo flight rights between Turkey and Canada, saying stronger air links would improve connectivity and create new opportunities for travelers, businesses and exporters.
Energy was identified as a promising area for expanded cooperation, with the two sides agreeing to explore opportunities in renewable and nuclear energy, including the potential use of Canadian CANDU technology to support Turkey’s energy diversification goals.
The statement said the ministers also discussed closer cooperation in aerospace, including partnerships related to defense, security and industrial cooperation.
Bolat and Sidhu also agreed to exchange visits, with each minister inviting the other to visit their country, in an effort to maintain momentum, deepen dialogue and identify concrete areas for collaboration.
Trade in goods between Turkey and Canada was about $3.1 in 2024, according to Global Affairs Canada, the country’s foreign and trade ministry.