Carney signs Turkey deal, cites nuclear win
The prime minister defended the partnership and rejected U.S. election meddling claims during a press conference in Istanbul.
By Tyler Khalil ·
Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a strategic partnership with Turkey on Friday, finalizing a pact that deepens economic ties while addressing long-standing human rights concerns.
The agreement was reached at the end of a two-day visit to Ankara and Istanbul. Carney described the government's approach as values-based realism, a framework that accepts trade partners do not always share Canadian social standards. He told reporters that engagement in these partnerships does not mean approval, noting that few countries match Canada's specific standards.
Human rights groups have intensified criticism of President Recep Erdogan's government this month. They cite recent high-profile operations that aimed to silence opposition voices and suppress independent journalism. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand raised these issues with her Turkish counterpart during meetings on Thursday. Carney said he also spoke directly with Erdogan, preferring private and open conversations over public reporting of specific grievances.
The move supports Carney's goal to reduce Canada's reliance on the United States market. While previous diversification efforts focused on Europe and the Indo-Pacific, this deal extends to Turkey, a partner with a mixed human rights record similar to Saudi Arabia. Carney met with business leaders in Istanbul to advance specific commercial interests.
A central focus of the business meetings is the potential sale of Canadian nuclear technology to Turkey. The country is planning two new power plants to help meet its climate goals. Carney stated there are good chances that AtkinsRealis, a Canadian engineering firm, will be selected as the partner to build these facilities.
Carney also addressed a formal accusation from the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, which released a fact sheet on Thursday claiming Canadian leaders are meddling in the November 3 U.S. midterm elections. Carney called the claims meritless and expressed disappointment that the U.S. envoy saw it as his role to make such suggestions.
He emphasized that Canada maintains a deep diplomatic presence in the United States and interacts frequently with American companies and citizens. Carney said the country remains careful to avoid appearing to interfere in the U.S. democratic process.
