Carney Signs Turkey Deal to Cut US Dependence and Chase Nuclear Win

Mark Carney signed a strategic partnership with Turkey on Friday, a move designed to reduce Canada's reliance on the United States while courting Ankara's nuclear sector. The agreement followed a week of diplomatic activity that saw the prime minister defend his government's human rights stance amid heightened scrutiny of Turkish domestic policies.

Carney argued that Canada’s approach reflects values-based realism, a framework that accepts partners may not share all Canadian standards. "Engagement in those partnerships does not mean approval," he stated. "There are very few countries in this world that have the standards of Canada."

The partnership was signed with the government of President Recep Erdogan, which has faced sustained criticism from human rights groups. Complaints intensified this month after Turkish authorities conducted high-profile operations aimed at silencing opposition voices and suppressing independent journalism. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand raised these concerns with her Turkish counterpart during meetings on Thursday.

Business discussions in Istanbul focused on the potential sale of Canadian nuclear technology to support Turkey's climate goals. Carney told reporters there are good chances that AtkinsRealis, a Canadian engineering firm, will be selected as a partner to build the two power plants Turkey is planning. He did not assign a specific probability but indicated the deal is a primary objective of the visit.

Carney also addressed a formal accusation from the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, which released a fact sheet on Thursday claiming Canadian leaders interfered in the upcoming Nov. 3 midterm elections. The prime minister called the claims meritless and expressed disappointment that the U.S. envoy viewed such suggestions as part of his role.

He emphasized that Canada maintains a deep diplomatic presence in the United States with extensive contact with American companies and citizens. "As a country Canada is very, very careful to not be seen to interfere in the democratic process," Carney said. He noted that his direct conversations with leaders are more effective when kept open rather than reported in detail.

The trip marked a shift in Canada's trade diversification strategy, which has previously concentrated on Europe and the Indo-Pacific. The government has also recently engaged with states like Saudi Arabia, which also possess questionable human rights records. Carney's administration aims to build a network of trading partners that reduces vulnerability to U.S. market fluctuations.