Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to attend the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, marking the first Canadian prime ministerial visit to the country since 2015.

The summit, held on July 7 and 8, has been scaled down compared to previous gatherings, featuring a dinner and one session instead of two full days of meetings.The event aims to address U.S.President Donald Trump's potential disruptions to the alliance, with Canada seeking to strengthen defense spending commitments.Carney will also discuss Canada's progress on defense funding and bilateral ties with Turkey, a NATO ally.

The visit includes discussions on trade, energy, and security, with Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasizing complementary European military efforts.However, historical tensions persist, including disputes over Armenian genocide claims, arms sales suspensions, and asylum policies.Analysts note Turkey's strategic importance amid regional conflicts and its efforts to diversify trade partnerships.The summit follows a smooth G7 meeting in France, with allies hoping for similar stability in addressing military spending goals.