Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan made important statements at a joint press conference held after his meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. The two announced their decision to elevate relations between the two countries to a strategic level and steps to increase cooperation in many areas from economy to defense.
Condolences and Aid for Earthquake in Venezuela
Minister Fidan expressed condolences for those who lost their lives in the earthquakes in Venezuela. Stating that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave instructions for all kinds of aid to be provided, Fidan said that relevant units completed necessary preparations and departed for Venezuela.
New Era in Turkey-Canada Relations
Fidan recalled that his Canadian counterpart visited Turkey in March, noting that dynamic relations continue between the two countries, but despite being NATO members, the existing potential has not been fully utilized. "Today, as two great countries, we are determined to take our potential further," Fidan said, noting that cooperation carried out on four main axes has now gained a more structural character.
In this context, the Minister stated that they decided to elevate relations to a strategic level and that work continues. He announced that within the scope of the NATO summit to be held in two weeks, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, as well as Anand and Defense Minister David McGinty, will visit Ankara. Fidan added that there is also a possibility that Carney may visit Turkey in the near future.
Free Trade Agreement Negotiations Have Begun
In line with the strategic goal, Minister Fidan stated that preliminary negotiations for a Turkey-Canada Free Trade Agreement have begun between the relevant ministries. Saying they foresee that the bilateral trade volume will increase further with the agreement coming into force, Fidan emphasized that they aim to advance the process as quickly as possible.
Nuclear Energy and Small Modular Reactors
Stating that they act with a strategic perspective in the energy field, Fidan reported that together with Anand they visited the Darlington Nuclear Plant in Toronto and observed Canada's potential in atomic energy production once again. Recalling that Turkey is making an effort to develop nuclear energy and is conducting intensive talks with international partners, the Minister said, "Seeing both a traditional nuclear plant and the small modular reactor (SMR) project whose foundations are being laid in Darlington made our visit more practical."
Fidan expressed that Canada's concrete steps in the SMR field left a great impression on Turkey and that they held talks on how Turkey can benefit from Canadian technology. Saying, "I believe that the cooperation between Turkey and Canada will yield very positive results," Fidan underlined that President Erdoğan also attaches great importance to collaborations in this field.
Defense Industry, Critical Minerals, and LNG
Minister Fidan drew attention to the great potential between the two countries in the fields of critical minerals and liquefied natural gas (LNG), and said, "We aim to further develop and deepen our defense industry cooperation." He added that many projects that will benefit both sides are being worked on and that the necessary political will and determination exist to implement them.
Pointing out that they are increasingly approaching global and regional issues similarly, Fidan stated that they continue their efforts to solve international problems based on diplomatic methods and dialogue.
US-Iran Ceasefire and the Strait of Hormuz
Minister Fidan expressed that they are very pleased with the signing of the memorandum of understanding envisaging a ceasefire between the US and Iran. Saying they consider the extension of the ceasefire to Lebanon a positive step, Fidan stated they hope the parties will continue their constructive attitude and reach agreement on remaining issues as soon as possible.
Emphasizing that unimpeded and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz being continuously tested is critical at this stage, the Minister said, "Turkey will continue to actively contribute to the US-Iran negotiation process. Israel should not be allowed to sabotage the negotiations in this process. The world public must be extremely careful on this matter. The parties must act carefully and prudently on this issue."
Situation in Gaza and the West Bank
Stating that Gaza is still going through an extremely sensitive and unstable period, Foreign Minister Fidan said, "We are not taking our eyes off Gaza. Despite all the efforts of the international community, Israel is not fulfilling its obligations. The Netanyahu administration's obstruction of humanitarian aid delivery is making the situation even worse."
Noting that despite the ceasefire conditions, Israel is persistently expanding its military presence and further narrowing the living spaces of the civilian population, Fidan expressed that increasing settler terrorism in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, seriously undermines the ground for lasting peace. He announced that in his meeting with his Canadian counterpart, they once again confirmed their stance on a fair and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue on the basis of a two-state solution and that they will continue cooperation with responsible members of the international community on this matter.
'We Are Ready to Host Russia-Ukraine Negotiations'
Fidan stated that another problem threatening global security and stability is the Russia-Ukraine war, and said they also discussed this issue with his Canadian counterpart. Emphasizing that Ankara desires the war to end as soon as possible through dialogue and on the basis of international law, the Minister expressed that there is a stalemate in the diplomatic process, clashes are accelerating, and the parties are focused on achieving military success.
Underlining the need to revive the diplomatic process as soon as possible, Fidan said, "In this context, I would like to announce not only to the parties but also to the world public, as I have previously conveyed to them, that we are ready to bring the Russian and Ukrainian delegations together at the negotiating table in our country."
Minister Fidan stated that today's contacts are proof that Turkey-Canada relations are deepening on the basis of common responsibility and common interests, and added that they will continue to strengthen cooperation under the guidance of leaders.
