Carney signs strategic pact with Turkey, rejects U.S. election meddling claims

Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a strategic partnership with Turkey on Friday, concluding a visit to Ankara that included high-level meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The agreement aims to expand economic ties between the two nations as Carney seeks to reduce Canada's reliance on the United States. Carney stated that while the deal advances trade goals, it does not represent a blanket endorsement of Turkish domestic policies.

The signing occurred amid ongoing criticism of the Turkish government by human rights organizations. Critics argued that recent operations by Turkish authorities targeted opposition voices, independent media, and marginalized groups. Carney described Canada's foreign policy stance as values-based realism. "Engagement in those partnerships does not mean approval," Carney said. "There are very few countries in this world that have the standards of Canada."

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand discussed human rights concerns with her Turkish counterpart during Thursday's meetings. When asked if he personally raised these issues with Erdogan, Carney noted that he prefers direct and open conversations. "I find those conversations are more effective when they're direct and open and not then reported out in detail, but we have raised these issues," he said. Carney's strategy involves diversifying trade partners beyond Europe and the Indo-Pacific, a path that has also led to deals with other nations facing scrutiny, such as Saudi Arabia.

Business discussions in Istanbul focused on energy and infrastructure. Carney indicated there are good chances that AtkinsRealis, a Canadian engineering firm, will be selected to help build two nuclear power plants in Turkey. The project aligns with Turkey's climate objectives and represents a potential major win for Canadian technology firms.

Carney also addressed a formal complaint from the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, which released a fact sheet on Thursday accusing Canadian leaders of interfering in the U.S. midterm elections scheduled for Nov. 3. Carney called the claims meritless and expressed disappointment that a diplomatic envoy took the position. "There is no merit to these claims, so I'll call it out that way," he said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Canada maintains a deep diplomatic presence in the United States and regular contact with American businesses and citizens. He stressed that the country remains careful to avoid appearing to interfere in the democratic process. The U.S. Embassy's fact sheet marked a rare public escalation in tensions between the two neighbors ahead of the November vote.

Carney's government will continue to monitor the implementation of the new strategic partnership. The deal includes frameworks for future trade negotiations and technical cooperation. Turkish and Canadian officials are expected to hold follow-up meetings in the coming months to assess progress on the nuclear project and other economic initiatives.