World News

Carney begins two-day Turkey visit seeking new partnership beyond US

Leaders announce a strategic partnership, and Erdogan says free-trade talks start before end of 2026.

Updated Oct 22, 2026 · 18:15 UTC2 reports

The short version

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Turkey for a two-day visit, the first bilateral trip of its kind by a Canadian prime minister.[Deutsche Welle · Associated Press]
Carney and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan upgraded relations to a strategic partnership covering trade, energy and people-to-people ties.[Deutsche Welle]
Erdogan says free-trade negotiations will begin before the end of 2026, while Amnesty International urges Carney to raise human rights concerns.[Deutsche Welle · Associated Press]
Canada lifted its ban on weapons exports to Turkey in 2024, which AP describes as a sign of improving ties.[Associated Press]

Carney arrived in Turkey on Thursday for a two-day visit.[Deutsche Welle · Associated Press]
The visit is the first bilateral visit by a Canadian prime minister to Turkey.[Deutsche Welle · Associated Press]
Canada and Turkey upgraded their relations to a strategic partnership covering trade, energy and people-to-people ties.[Deutsche Welle]
Erdogan said negotiations on a free-trade agreement will begin before the end of 2026.[Deutsche Welle]
A statement from Carney's office said two-way trade between Turkey and Canada increased by 50% in the past five years.[Associated Press]
Amnesty International called on Carney to raise human rights concerns during his trip.[Associated Press]
Canada lifted its ban on the export of weapons to Turkey in 2024.[Associated Press]

The free-trade timeline is Erdogan's stated expectation, and the reporting does not confirm that formal negotiations have started.[Deutsche Welle]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.