Turkey and Canada forge strategic alliance

Turkey and Canada announced the elevation of their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership to enhance cooperation in trade and defense sectors, following years of estrangement. The agreements aim to increase bilateral trade from $3 billion to $5 billion initially, then to $10 billion later on, with free trade negotiations set to begin before the end of the year. The two sides signed three agreements covering defense, air transportation, and energy, with a focus on collaboration in defense industries and coordinating joint projects. The first round of free trade talks will be held in Ankara next month, reflecting a desire to build strong economic and security alliances and to expand the relationship between the two countries.