Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, is embarking on a two-day visit to Canada aimed at bolstering bilateral relations, enhancing trade, and fostering collaboration in the energy and defense sectors. His itinerary begins in Toronto, where he will tour the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station. This visit underscores Turkey’s interest in leveraging Canada’s expertise in nuclear energy, particularly in expanding civilian nuclear cooperation and ensuring broader energy security.
During his time in Canada, Fidan will engage with a range of stakeholders, including business leaders, academics, and civil society representatives. These meetings aim to explore avenues for investment and economic collaboration between the two countries, both of which are NATO allies. This aspect of the visit highlights the mutual interest in strengthening economic ties and exploring new opportunities for growth.
In Ottawa, Fidan is scheduled to meet with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. Their discussions are expected to revolve around upgrading the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, increasing high-level exchanges, and tackling trade barriers. A key point on the agenda is progress toward a long-discussed free trade agreement, which would further solidify economic ties between the two nations.
Security issues, both regional and global, will also be a focal point of the talks. Topics include the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, tensions in the Middle East, and maritime security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. Turkey is anticipated to emphasize the importance of diplomatic solutions and continued engagement with all relevant parties in these discussions.
Trade between Turkey and Canada has been steadily increasing, supported by expanding defense partnerships, improved air connectivity, and the presence of a significant Turkish diaspora in Canada. This visit by Fidan represents a continued effort to build upon these foundations and explore new dimensions of cooperation between the two countries.