Statement: Turkey and Canada agree to start preliminary discussions on a free trade agreement.

On Tuesday, the trade ministers of the two countries issued a joint ministerial statement, stating that Turkey and Canada have agreed to initiate preparatory discussions with the aim of reaching a free trade agreement. The statement highlighted that Turkish Trade Minister Ermel Boral and Canadian International Trade Minister Mandi Sood held talks to deepen the strong and sustainable economic and trade partnership between the two countries. The statement mentioned: "Both sides have agreed to initiate preparatory discussions related to the free trade agreement, reflecting the shared vision of both countries to fully exploit the potential for bilateral trade cooperation." Both parties believe that there is vast potential for cooperation in the energy sector, and have agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy and nuclear energy, while also studying the feasibility of Canadian Candu nuclear power technology to help Turkey diversify its energy sources.