Türkiye, Canada aim for $10B trade as Erdogan hails 'new era'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Türkiye and Canada aim to launch talks for a free trade agreement, as well as new projects in energy, trade, transportation and the defence industry to strengthen bilateral relations.

"We hope to increase our trade volume, which currently stands at around $3 billion, to $5 billion initially and then to $10 billion through the steps we will take," Erdogan told a joint news conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ankara on Thursday.

Erdogan said the two sides had agreed to begin free trade agreement negotiations before the end of the year to boost trade and investment.

He said elevating Türkiye-Canada relations to the level of a strategic partnership would not be merely a symbolic step on paper.

New era

"We have today overcome the disconnect that had persisted between Türkiye and Canada for many years. Now we are launching a new era between Türkiye and Canada," he said.

"On my first visit to Canada, we will bring our businesspeople together and take steps forward," Erdogan said.

He also welcomed Canada's sanctions targeting illegal Israeli settlements, saying Ankara considers the measures appropriate for deterring violations by Tel Aviv.

On international conflicts, Erdogan said Türkiye hoped diplomatic efforts would pave the way for lasting peace in both Ukraine and the Gulf region.