Carney signs Turkey deal, pushes nuclear sector amid U.S. election dispute
The Prime Minister called the partnership a move toward trade diversification while rejecting claims of Canadian interference in the upcoming U.S. midterm vote.
By Marco Graham ·
Canada and Turkey formalized a strategic partnership on Friday as Prime Minister Mark Carney moved to expand trade channels beyond North America.
Carney signed the agreement during a visit to Ankara and Istanbul, where he also engaged with business leaders about specific industrial projects.
The deal comes amid scrutiny of Turkey's human rights record, which has drawn attention following recent high-profile operations by Turkish authorities that critics say targeted opposition voices and independent journalism.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand raised these concerns with her Turkish counterpart during meetings on Thursday.
Carney defended the government's strategy, which he described as values-based realism, noting that few nations match Canadian standards.
"Engagement in those partnerships does not mean approval," Carney stated.
He added that direct conversations with leaders are more effective than public reporting of diplomatic friction.
The partnership includes discussions on selling Canadian nuclear technology to help Turkey meet its climate goals.
Carney indicated there are good chances for AtkinsRealis, a Canadian engineering firm, to be selected as a partner for two power plants Turkey is planning.
The trade push aims to reduce Canada's reliance on the United States market, with previous efforts focused on Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and Saudi Arabia.
Carney also addressed a formal accusation from the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa regarding Canadian interference in the upcoming Nov. 3 midterm elections.
The U.S. Embassy released a fact sheet on Thursday that alleged Canadian leaders were meddling in the process ahead of the vote.
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