Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to visit Türkiye this month for talks with President Tayyip Erdoğan, in what would be the first dedicated bilateral visit to the country by a Canadian leader, four sources familiar with the plans said.

The visit is expected to focus on efforts to advance free-trade negotiations, as well as energy and defence cooperation, the sources said.

Canada and Türkiye formally launched negotiations on a comprehensive free-trade agreement in July, when Carney met Erdoğan on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Ankara. The two leaders also discussed cooperation in defence, critical minerals, energy and advanced technologies.

Trade ministers from the two countries agreed this week to accelerate the negotiations ahead of the planned visit, according to the sources.

Carney has sought to diversify Canada's trade relationships and reduce its reliance on the United States as Washington imposes tariffs on Canadian goods. Türkiye accounted for less than 0.3% of Canada's merchandise trade in 2025, Reuters reported.

Bilateral trade reached C$4.3 billion ($3.1 billion) last year, according to the Canadian government. Canada exported about C$1.1 billion worth of goods to Türkiye and imported about C$3.2 billion.

Energy is also expected to feature in the talks. Türkiye is considering Canadian involvement in its plans to expand nuclear power, including possible cooperation with AtkinsRéalis, which is involved in developing CANDU reactor technology.

Defence ties have also strengthened since Canada lifted restrictions on some military exports to Türkiye in 2024. The two countries have discussed expanding cooperation in defence industries and related areas.

Neither Carney's office nor Erdoğan's office immediately commented on the planned visit, and its exact date has not been announced. (ILKHA)