Carney signs Turkey partnership while dismissing U.S. election meddling claims

Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a strategic partnership with Turkey on Friday, a move designed to shift Canadian trade away from the United States. The agreement was concluded at the end of a two-day visit to Ankara and Istanbul. Carney joined the Turkish government, led by President Recep Erdogan, in formalizing the new relationship.

The partnership forms part of a wider effort to diversify Canada's trading partners. Recent initiatives have focused heavily on Europe and the Indo-Pacific regions. However, the government has also pursued ties with other nations that face scrutiny over their domestic policies, such as Saudi Arabia. Carney described the government's method as values-based realism, a framework that prioritizes practical engagement over perfect ideological alignment.

Human rights concerns weighed heavily on the trip. Turkish authorities conducted several operations this month that critics say targeted opposition figures, independent journalists, and marginalized groups. In response, Carney stated that engagement with a partner does not equal approval of its practices. He noted that few countries currently meet Canada's specific standards.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand discussed human rights issues with her Turkish counterpart on Thursday. Carney confirmed he also spoke directly with Erdogan. He declined to detail the specific concerns raised in that private meeting. Carney said he prefers direct conversations because they are more effective than public reporting of the discussions.

Business meetings in Istanbul centered on potential energy contracts. Canada is negotiating to sell nuclear technology to Turkey to support its climate objectives. Carney said there were good chances that AtkinsRealis, a Canadian engineering firm, would be selected to build two planned power plants. The agreement would represent a major contract for the firm and a tangible result of the new partnership.

The trip also addressed a dispute with the United States. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa released a fact sheet on Thursday accusing Canadian leaders of meddling in the November 3 midterm elections. Carney called the claims meritless on Friday. He expressed disappointment that the U.S. envoy had taken on the role of making such suggestions.

Carney emphasized that Canada maintains a deep diplomatic presence in the U.S. and interacts frequently with American businesses and citizens. He stated that the country is careful to avoid appearing to interfere in another nation's democratic process. The U.S. fact sheet remains part of the official record of the dispute.