Canadian Prime Minister Seeks Closer Ties with Turkey

During a press conference in Istanbul on Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that boosting economic and defense relations with Turkey, despite its controversial government, aligns with his progressive values. He stated, “Engagement is not approval,” highlighting his belief in “values-based realism” in foreign policy, which suggests that Canada can engage with nations whose actions it may not fully endorse.

Carney, who arrived in Turkey, a NATO ally, on Wednesday, aimed to discuss increasing trade and other forms of cooperation. His visit, a first in the history of relations between the two nations, raised concerns back home due to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s record on human rights, particularly regarding marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ2A+ community, Kurds, and non-Sunni Muslims. Erdogan has also been a prominent supporter of the militant group Hamas while employing state repression to maintain his grip on power through recent elections.

When pressed by reporters about the morality of engaging with such a government, Carney defended his position, arguing that collaborating with nations that have poor human rights records does not compromise Canada’s values or validate Erdogan’s regime. He remarked, “There are very few countries in this world that have the standards of Canada… so that all Canadians can live their lives as they choose.”

Carney stressed that protecting and promoting LGBTQI rights and ensuring that all Canadians can express themselves freely is a priority. He also touched upon the concept of “two-spirit,” which refers to a Native American/First Nations identity that embodies both male and female aspects, though it is not widely recognized or documented in Turkey.

In response to questions about potentially legitimizing Erdogan’s government, Carney explained that engagement is necessary for Canada to achieve greater sovereignty and implied a shift in Canada’s traditional alliance with the United States. His government has been characterized by a critical stance towards America and a declaration that the longstanding relationship is now “over.”

Reports from both Canadian and Turkish media indicated that discussions between Carney and Erdogan resulted in promising developments for trade and cooperation. Erdogan proclaimed, “We are now starting a new era between Türkiye and Canada,” following the signing of a “three-year action plan” aimed at expanding trade, especially in the defense and energy sectors. The goal is to increase the current bilateral trade volume of $3 billion annually to $10 billion.

Among the key initiatives being explored are partnerships in liquefied natural gas, nuclear power, and critical minerals. Carney specifically mentioned the potential for a Canadian company, AtkinsRéalis, to collaborate on building nuclear reactors in Turkey, which has previously looked to Russia for such support. However, he noted that while the prospects are looking good, no deal is finalized yet.

Additionally, Canada and Turkey plan to tackle development projects in less wealthy nations. A major announcement was the initiation of negotiations toward a free trade agreement, projected to begin in November. This would enhance Turkey’s access to Canadian markets and resources while allowing Canada to import more Turkish goods.

Nonetheless, human rights advocates remain cautious about deepening ties with Turkey. Observers like University of Ottawa’s Professor Roland Paris expressed concern that Carney is prioritizing trade over human rights and democracy, suggesting a lack of balance in his approach. Another academic, Thomas Juneau, noted that while Carney’s policies appear realistic, they seem to lack a strong values component, questioning where those values fit into his strategy.

Erdogan has a troubling history regarding human rights over his two decades in power. Recent reports indicate that the Turkish government has systematically silenced opposition voices and stifled independent journalism while marginalizing groups like LGBTQIA2+ individuals. Historical attempts to hold pride parades in Istanbul, once peaceful, have faced violent crackdowns.

Furthermore, Erdogan has concentrated power on eliminating political rivals, with notable figures like Kurdish candidate Selahattin Demirtas and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu currently imprisoned under questionable charges. Recent elections in Turkey have been marred by allegations of voter suppression and violence against opposition parties.