Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney answered the questions of members of the press and made evaluations in Istanbul as part of his visit to Türkiye.
Stating that Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson and Canadian Export Development Agency President Alison Nankivell had contacts with their counterparts yesterday, Carney noted that these talks will continue and private sector representatives will also come together on the occasion of the visit.
Regarding the talks, Carney said, "The first is the 'size of the energy needs', whether it is Turkey or another country, and the second is the 'desire to diversify energy needs'. In connection with this, it reveals the importance of clean energy, low-emission or zero-emission energy being at the center of this process, which Turkey makes one of the basic elements of COP31."
Stating that his country has made major changes in taxes, the speed at which investment decisions are made, and investment agreements, Carney pointed out that it is necessary to explain to people what has changed and what the priorities are, to develop mutually beneficial relationships and to work on wider cooperation.
“Ultimately, business decisions are made between businesses, but sometimes direct contact further solidifies the foundation of those relationships,” Carney said. he said.
'THERE ARE MANY LESSONS WE NEED TO LEARN FROM Türkiye IN DEFENSE'
In his response to a journalist's question about the stage of negotiations regarding CANDU reactors developed in Canada, Carney stated that negotiations with Turkey on this issue have intensified recently, and that the Turkish government may make a decision towards the end of the year and perhaps during COP31.
Stating that they will continue to implement the standards and rules regarding exports in the defense sector, Carney said, "I believe that approximately 80 percent of Türkiye's defense needs are produced here. This is not the case in Canada. There are many lessons we need to learn (from Türkiye) about what kind of (defense) industry we can create in our country."
However, drawing attention to the progress Türkiye has made in unmanned aerial vehicle technologies, Carney said, "Therefore, there is an opportunity to establish partnerships to better defend Canada." he said.
Carney emphasized that they strengthened Canada's economic performance and developed new partnerships, and stated that they also developed the partnership with Türkiye in this context.
'CANADA IS OPEN TO PURCHASING MILITARY CAPABILITIES AND DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL PARTNERSHIP OPTIONS FROM Türkiye'
"Are we interested in purchasing military capabilities or Turkish military technology, or is this more of an industrial partnership?" "Both as much as possible. I think I would stay closer to the 'partnership' side, where we offer complementary technologies and develop together." he replied.
Stating that the defense cooperation between Türkiye and Ukraine is an example of this, Carney said, "There is a truly effective partnership between Türkiye and Ukraine, and Turkey is one of Ukraine's biggest supporters." he said.
Carney said that they attach importance to benefiting from Turkish expertise in strengthening Canada's defense capacity.
'WE DEAL DIRECTLY WITH UKRAINE'
Carney pointed out that both countries are NATO members in the context of defense cooperation, and informed that the support to Ukraine was among the issues they discussed with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Stating that they coordinated Canada's support to Ukraine directly with the Ukrainian administration, not through the European Union (EU), Carney said, "We do not need the EU for such demands. We are dealing directly with Ukraine." he said.
Carney stated that he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy several times in the last week, and that they discussed Ukraine's defense situation and the Starlink issue.
The Canadian Prime Minister stated that his country continues to support Ukraine in coordination with the Scandinavian countries as well as the EU.
'WE DO NOT WANT TO BE IN A SITUATION WHERE WE ARE DEPENDENT ON A SINGLE SERVICE PROVIDER'
Regarding SpaceX's Chief Executive (CEO) Elon Musk's claims that he ordered the speed of SpaceX's Starlink satellite system, which enables Ukraine to defend itself, to be reduced, Carney said, "It is clear that there is a slowdown in this system, which results in concrete consequences, humanitarian consequences and direct loss of life, and Ukraine's ability to defend itself against the Russian attack has decreased." he said.
Pointing out that the issue is worrying, Carney said, "As Canadians, we do not want to be in a situation where we will be dependent on a single service provider that may change its opinion or be forced to change its opinion by a country that may endanger Canadians." he said.
'51. 'WE WILL NOT BECOME A STATE'
Asked about allegations that Canada intervened in the US midterm elections, Carney said: "We have no intention of intervening in their democratic processes." he said.
Carney stated that they are ready to sit at the table with the USA to negotiate a trade agreement that suits the interests of both parties, and said, "If the USA is there, we will sign the agreement this afternoon. If it takes months or longer for a suitable agreement to come into force, or if another administration needs to take office, we will do this, too." he said.
Answering the question of whether the discourse regarding the USA's annexation of Canada was on the agenda during his meeting with US President Donald Trump, Carney said that the USA clearly knows Canada's attitude.
Carney said, "Canada's stance is absolutely clear. We will not be the 51st state. We are going our own way. We are preparing. We are strong and we are getting stronger." He said a "strong Canada" would be a better partner if the United States wanted to partner with Canada.
