Foreign Minister Melanie Anand welcomed Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to Ottawa on Thursday, ahead of the upcoming NATO summit scheduled to take place in Ankara. The meeting underscores Canada's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Turkey, a key NATO ally, amid ongoing discussions about alliance defence spending and global security challenges.
Carney Discusses Defence Spending and Trump Call
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed Canada's defence spending commitments during a press conference following the meeting. He emphasized that Canada remains on track to meet NATO's target of allocating two percent of GDP to defence by 2032. Carney also revealed that he had a 'long discussion' with former U.S. President Donald Trump 'on a range of issues,' though he did not provide specific details. The conversation is seen as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain strong Canada-U.S. relations.
Humanitarian Aid to Venezuela
In a separate announcement, the Canadian government pledged $5 million in humanitarian aid to Venezuela to support earthquake relief efforts. The funding will be channeled through international organizations to assist communities affected by recent seismic activity. Carney noted that Canada stands ready to provide further assistance as needed.
No Embassy in Iran Puts Canada at a Disadvantage
Prime Minister Carney also commented on Canada's lack of diplomatic presence in Iran, stating that having no embassy in the country puts Canada 'at a disadvantage' in terms of intelligence gathering and consular services. He indicated that the government is exploring options to re-establish a diplomatic foothold in Tehran, though no timeline was provided.
Upcoming Byelections
Carney confirmed that six upcoming byelections will likely be spread out over several months rather than held on a single date. The decision aims to allow parties to focus resources effectively and ensure fair electoral processes. The byelections are expected to fill vacancies in ridings across the country.
