Canada unfreezes talks with Turkey on reversing arms embargo

A spokesperson for Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly stated that Canada and Turkey are engaged in open discussions regarding their bilateral, economic, and commercial relations. However, they emphasized that export controls for Turkey remain in effect.

When asked about talks between Turkey and Canada to lift export restrictions, a Turkish defense ministry official highlighted that it is unacceptable for NATO allies to impose such restrictions on each other. The official also mentioned progress made at the Vilnius Summit, but emphasized the importance of following the negotiations and decisions made at that event.

In a recent interview with Turkish media, President Erdogan expressed his expectation that all NATO allies should remove sanctions and restrictions on Turkey’s defense industry.

Regarding the sale of F-16 fighter jets, Erdogan expressed optimism after his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. Turkey had previously made a request to purchase US$20 billion worth of F-16 fighters and approximately 80 modernization kits for its existing warplanes.

Turkey’s objections have been a significant obstacle for Sweden and Finland’s potential membership in NATO, particularly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Turkey has demanded a strong stance against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.

Turkey ratified Finland’s membership in March following concrete steps taken by Helsinki to combat terrorist groups and facilitate defense exports. Erdogan stated that he would forward Sweden’s ratification to parliament in October, expecting Stockholm to provide a roadmap outlining the necessary steps.

The leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), on which Erdogan’s AK Party relies for its parliamentary majority, expressed concerns about Sweden’s alleged failure to distance itself from terrorism but acknowledged that Erdogan would make the final decision regarding Sweden’s membership bid.

Erdogan met with MHP leader Devlet Bahceli on Thursday.

Erdogan also called for steps from the EU, such as updating the customs union and implementing visa-free travel, before Turkey takes action on promises it has made in the past. A European diplomat speculated that Erdogan may be leveraging the situation with Sweden to maximize his gains, as he has done in the past.