A former high-ranking security expert suggests that Canada may consider loosening its arms-export restrictions on Turkey as the country seeks to strengthen its ties with Western nations. This comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reached an agreement to support Sweden’s bid to join NATO at the recent NATO summit in Lithuania, ending months of Turkish opposition to the move.
While unnamed Turkish officials claim that Canada has reopened talks on the arms embargo in response to the development, the Prime Minister’s Office neither confirms nor denies these reports. Canada initially halted new export permits to Turkey in October 2019 following a military incursion into Syria. Subsequently, in April 2020, the restrictions were downgraded for a period of six months. However, in October of that same year, Canada once again suspended export permits due to credible evidence of Canadian military goods and technology being used in conflicts.
Chris Kilford, a former senior Canadian military attaché in Turkey, anticipates that Ottawa will lift the arms embargo on Turkey but with certain stipulations. This could be seen as a means to improve relations with a significant ally. The potential decision would likely take into account the evolving dynamics and diplomatic considerations between the two nations.
It remains to be seen how the Canadian government will proceed regarding the arms embargo, and any decision made will likely reflect a careful balance between security concerns, international relations, and human rights considerations.