Canada Signs Turkey Pact as Carney Defends Trade Strategy

Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a strategic partnership with Turkey on Friday, a move that deepens economic ties with a government facing fresh scrutiny over civil liberties. The agreement was finalized at the end of Carney's visit to the country, where he sought to diversify Canada's trading partners beyond the United States.

The pact was signed with the administration of President Recep Erdogan, which has long faced criticism from human rights organizations. Complaints intensified this month after Turkish authorities conducted high-profile operations that critics say aimed to silence opposition voices and restrict independent journalism. Carney described Canada's foreign policy approach as values-based realism, acknowledging that not every partner shares all Canadian values.

"Engagement in those partnerships does not mean approval," Carney said on Friday. "There are very few countries in this world that have the standards of Canada." A statement from the Prime Minister's Office indicated that Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand raised human rights concerns with her Turkish counterpart in meetings on Thursday. When asked if he personally discussed these issues with Erdogan, Carney said direct conversations are more effective than detailed public reporting, but confirmed the issues were raised.

Carney's push to reduce reliance on the U.S. market has included deals with other nations with varying human rights records, including Saudi Arabia. During business meetings in Istanbul, Carney highlighted the potential for Canadian nuclear technology in Turkey's climate initiatives. He told reporters there are good chances that AtkinsRealis, a Canadian engineering firm, will be selected as a partner to build two planned power plants in Turkey.

Carney also addressed a formal accusation from the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, which released a fact sheet on Thursday alleging Canadian interference in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections on November 3. The prime minister rejected the claims, stating there was no merit to the suggestions. "I'm disappointed that their envoy sees that as his role to make these suggestions," he said. He added that Canada maintains a deep diplomatic presence in the U.S. and is careful to avoid being seen as interfering in American democratic processes.

The strategic partnership follows political talks in Ankara on Thursday and business meetings in Istanbul. The deal represents a key step in Canada's effort to diversify its trade network while navigating complex diplomatic relationships.