Carney Signs Turkey Pact While Defending Trade Strategy
The prime minister called the deal a step toward diversifying Canada's economy, even as Ankara faced fresh criticism for silencing opposition voices.
By Miguel Hernandez ·
Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a strategic partnership with Turkey on Friday, a move that deepens economic ties with a government facing intense scrutiny over civil liberties. The agreement comes as Carney works to reduce Canada's reliance on the United States market and diversify its trading partners.
Human rights groups have long criticized the administration of President Recep Erdogan. Tensions rose this month after Turkish authorities conducted high-profile operations that critics say targeted opposition figures, independent journalists, and marginalized communities. Carney argued that these concerns should not halt economic engagement.
"Engagement in those partnerships does not mean approval," Carney said on Friday. "There are very few countries in this world that have the standards of Canada." He described the government's foreign policy stance as values-based realism, a framework that accepts imperfect partners in pursuit of strategic goals.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand raised human rights issues with her Turkish counterpart in meetings on Thursday. When pressed by reporters on whether he personally raised concerns with Erdogan, Carney declined to provide specifics. He stated that he prefers direct and open conversations with leaders, which are more effective than detailed public reporting.
The partnership signing followed business meetings in Istanbul where trade opportunities were discussed. A key area of interest is nuclear technology. Carney said there are good chances that AtkinsRealis, a Canadian engineering firm, will be selected to help build two power plants Turkey plans to construct for its climate goals.
The deal adds to a growing list of recent partnerships with nations that have mixed human rights records, including Saudi Arabia. While Carney has focused much of his diversification effort on Europe and the Indo-Pacific, the Turkey agreement expands the reach of Canada's trade strategy into the Middle East.
During the same visit, Carney responded to accusations from the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa that Canada interfered in the upcoming November 3 midterm elections. The embassy released a fact sheet on Thursday outlining its concerns. Carney called the claims meritless and expressed disappointment that the U.S. envoy saw it as his role to make such suggestions. He noted that Canada maintains a careful diplomatic presence in the United States to avoid appearing to interfere in American democratic processes.
Source: CBC News
