Canada, Turkey set to restart discussions on free-trade agreement

Canada and Turkey have agreed to restart initial discussions on a free-trade agreement.

Global Affairs Canada said in a news release the decision reflects both countries’ ambition to unlock the full potential of their commercial partnership.

“This will unlock real opportunities for Canadian industry in sectors like clean energy, aerospace and mining,” International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu told The Canadian Press, adding Turkey is “very interested” in Candu nuclear reactor technology.

“We’re taking concrete steps to deepen a relationship that benefits both economies.”

Sidhu and his Turkish counterpart also have agreed to explore opportunities in renewable energy, said the news release.

“Our partnership with (Turkey), as a NATO ally and strategic partner in the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has even greater potential and I am ready to advance it,” said Sidhu.

While Canada and Turkey held talks on a free-trade agreement in 2010 and 2013, the federal government’s website says there was not sufficient common ground to pursue negotiations at the time.

Turkey is hosting the 2026 NATO summit next month and the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference in the fall.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has boasted of signing 20 strategic trade and defence agreements around the world over the past year.

Sidhu has said Canada is looking to sign three major trade deals before the end of the year — with Mercosur, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and India.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2026.