Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed reporters in Ankara, Türkiye, on July 8, 2026, following his participation in the 2026 NATO Summit. His remarks touched upon key international and bilateral issues, including the evolving defence spending landscape within the alliance and significant progress in economic relations between Canada and Türkiye.
Carney stated that U. S. President Donald Trump's pressure on NATO allies to increase defence expenditures has been effective, with nations increasingly recognizing security threats and taking on greater responsibility. "It's not just that he's winning the argument — he's won the argument," Carney remarked, noting that this shift is gaining momentum. He also confirmed that Canada's recent announcement of a new submarine procurement program has been integrated into the fiscal plan and will be detailed in the upcoming federal budget. This commitment to defence spending aligns with Canada's efforts to bolster its military capabilities and meet its NATO obligations.
A significant development during the summit was the formal launch of free trade agreement negotiations between Canada and Türkiye. This was announced following a meeting between Prime Minister Carney and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The two leaders expressed optimism that a comprehensive trade deal would foster economic growth, create jobs, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen supply chains for businesses in both countries. Technical teams are set to commence work in the coming months to define the scope and ambition of the agreement, signalling a strategic deepening of the economic partnership between Ottawa and Ankara. The initiative aims to build upon bilateral trade, which reached $4.3 billion in 2025.
Carney's visit to Türkiye also included discussions on broader security concerns and strengthening allied cooperation. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, discussing air defence and ongoing support for Ukraine. The Prime Minister also engaged with other allied nations, highlighting Canada's commitment to collective security and its role in enhancing the alliance's defence industrial capacity.
