In the statement made by the Ministry, it was stated that FTA negotiations were initiated between Türkiye and Canada during the meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney within the scope of the NATO Summit held in Ankara.

The statement reminded that last month, Minister of Commerce Ömer Bolat and Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu published the “Joint Ministerial Declaration” stating that negotiations for a comprehensive FTA had been initiated between the two countries, and the following statements were made:

“THE AIM IS TO FURTHER DEEPENING THE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP”

“With the statement they made today, the leaders of the two countries have ordered the official start of FTA negotiations, aiming to further deepen the economic partnership between Turkey and Canada. Turkey and Canada are moving to the next stage with the initiation of negotiations for a comprehensive, modern and mutually beneficial FTA.”

In the statement, it was emphasized that intensive efforts will be made for an agreement that will support Türkiye’s economic growth, contribute to employment creation, increase competitiveness, strengthen global supply chains and improve economic cooperation with Canada.

“In the coming weeks, the technical teams of both countries will carry out the necessary work to determine the scope and objectives of the agreement and prepare for the first round of negotiations. The authorities of both countries have started the necessary preparations for a high-quality comprehensive agreement.”

NATO has published the estimated defense expenditure data of member countries for 2026.

Accordingly, it is predicted that the total defense expenditures of NATO member countries will increase by approximately 11 percent compared to the previous year and reach 1 trillion 809 billion 915 million dollars in 2026.

This figure was at the level of 1 trillion 482 billion 905 million dollars in 2024 and 1 trillion 629 billion 630 million dollars in 2025.

THE USA WILL UNDERTAKE 57 PERCENT OF THE ALLIANCE’S TOTAL EXPENDITURES ON IT’S OWN

This year, the USA will spend the most on defense among NATO countries. The USA is expected to undertake approximately 57 percent of the alliance’s total expenditures alone, with defense expenditures of 1 trillion 32 billion 849 million dollars in 2026.

The USA will be followed by Germany with 147 billion dollars, England with 110 billion dollars, France with 80 billion dollars, Italy with 57 billion dollars, Poland with 53 billion dollars and Canada with 52 billion dollars. It is estimated that Türkiye’s defense expenditure in 2026 will be at the level of 48 billion dollars.

According to data, the basic defense expenditures of the 5 NATO member countries are expected to constitute more than 3.5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) this year.

Lithuania will take the first place in the ratio of defense expenditures to GDP with 5.33 percent. Lithuania will be followed by Estonia with 5.1 percent, Latvia with 4.92 percent, Poland with 4.68 percent, Greece with 3.65 percent, Denmark with 3.49 percent and Sweden with 3.22 percent.

The ratio of Türkiye’s defense expenditures to GDP is expected to be 2.85 percent in 2026.

In the same period, the NATO average is expected to be 2.86 percent, with the USA spending 3.17 percent, Germany 2.69 percent, France 2.22 percent, the UK 2.56 percent and Italy 2.10 percent.

Among NATO members, the country that will allocate the lowest share of national income to defense is expected to be Slovenia with 1.61 percent, followed by Belgium and Spain with 2 percent.

It is predicted that in 2026, 17 NATO members will achieve the target of 1.5 percent of GDP for defense and security-related investments.

At the summit held in The Hague in 2025, NATO leaders agreed to allocate 3.5 percent of GDP for basic defense expenditures by 2035, and an additional 1.5 percent of GDP for defense and security-related investments such as civil preparedness and resilience, supporting innovation, protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening the defense industry.

The dinner at the Presidential Complex was held closed to the press. President Erdoğan and his wife Emine Erdoğan welcomed the heads of state and government and their spouses attending the summit on the steps of the Presidential Main Building.

The Erdoğan couple took photos separately with the guests. After the leaders arrived at the Complex, dinner started.

Flags and soldiers representing the 16 Turkish states in history and soldiers in janissary uniforms were also present at the welcome. During the arrival of the leaders, the Ministry of National Defense Mehter Union played anthems.

US President Donald Trump confirmed with the “OK” sign that he liked the anthem played by the Mehteran Union.

THE MENU PRESENTED TO NATO LEADERS HAS BEEN REVEALED

On the other hand, the menu presented to NATO leaders has also emerged. At the dinner, where distinguished tastes specific to different regions of Türkiye were served, the leaders were served the main course; Slow-cooked beef ribs were served with sea bass served with taras, Urla mastic artichokes and Tokat leaves.

HERE IS THE MENU OFFERED TO LEADERS AT BEŞTEPE:

BEGINNING

Stone Oven Pita

(With Trabzon Butter and Hizan Karakovan Honey)

Sauteed Vegetables with Olive Oil

(With Yanık Denizli Yogurt)

SEARCH HOT

Kayseri Ravioli

(With Yanık Denizli Yogurt and Smoked Ayaş Paste)

MAIN COURSE

Sea Bass Dredging

(With Urla Sakız Artichoke and Tokat Leaf or)

Slow Cooked Beef Ribs

(With Burnt Trabzon Butter, Roasted Eggplant and Morel Mushroom Firik Pilaf)

TRUMP: Türkiye BOUGHT THESE PLANES

The most critical topic in the statements of both leaders was the F-35 issue. This is the first time Trump has made such a clear statement on the issue. Trump answered the question about the F-35 sale to Türkiye. Trump said, “We need to make the F-35 decision. This is a decision we need to make. We have a very good relationship with Turkey. F-35s are great. It is an issue we can consider.”

Trump continued his words as follows: Let me add this, Türkiye bought these planes, they are the best planes. If you are purchasing an aircraft from the United States, if anything is done to the engines and their maintenance is also carried out; Of course, if you bought this plane from America, it is our responsibility to maintain it. I mean, is the engine running, will the engine be rehabilitated, will it be upgraded… Many people disagreed, but over time they began to understand that Türkiye was a great ally for us.

US President Trump, on the question about CAATSA sanctions, said, “I can say that we can lift the sanctions.” he said.

The eyes of the world are on the 36th NATO Leaders Summit held in Ankara… US President Trump, who came to Türkiye for the 36th NATO Summit, was welcomed by President Erdoğan at Ankara Esenboğa Airport. After the official ceremony, the critical summit in Beştepe started.

MEETINGS ARE ENDED

After bilateral meetings and meetings between delegations, President Erdoğan and US President Trump attended the dinner held in honor of the heads of state and government and their spouses at the Presidential Complex.

Historical NATO reception at the Social Complex

HISTORICAL RECEPTION IN THE COMPLEX

The dinner at the Presidential Complex was held closed to the press. President Erdoğan and his wife Emine Erdoğan welcomed the heads of state and government and their spouses attending the summit on the steps of the Presidential Main Building.

A marching welcome to Trump at the Social Complex

A BRAND WELCOME TO TRUMP

US President Donald Trump was also among the leaders who attended the dinner. Donald Trump confirmed with the “OK” sign that he liked the anthem played by the Mehteran Union.

HE TOOK PHOTOS WITH THE LEADERS SEPARATELY

The Erdoğan couple took photos separately with the guests. After the leaders arrived at the Complex, dinner started.

Director of Communications Burhanettin Duran, in his post on his social media account, said, “I condemn in the strongest terms the bomb attacks that took place in Damascus, the capital of Syria. Any terrorist act targeting the peace, security and stability of Syria is a threat to the common future of not only Syria but also our region. Violence and terrorism can have no legitimacy. Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey supports efforts towards the permanent stability and security of Syria and supports Syria.” “We will continue to stand in solidarity with its people.” he said.

I condemn in the strongest terms the bomb attacks that took place in Damascus, the capital of Syria.

Any terrorist act targeting the peace, security and stability of Syria is a threat not only to the common future of Syria, but also to the common future of our region. No violence or terrorism…

— Burhanettin Duran (@burhanduran) July 7, 2026