Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and a high-level delegation paid an official visit to TÜBİTAK UZAY (Space Technologies Research Institute). During the visit, potential areas of cooperation between Türkiye and Canada in the fields of space, science, technology, and innovation were discussed.
The program, held in the TÜRKSAT 6A conference hall at the Institute, brought together Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Muhammet Kasım Gönüllü, President of the Turkish Space Agency Yusuf Kıraç, TÜBİTAK UZAY Director Mehmet Nefes, and representatives from relevant institutions. The Canadian delegation included Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexandre Lévesque, Chargé d’Affaires Larisa Galadza, and Member of Parliament Shima Acan.
In his remarks, Deputy Minister Muhammet Kasım Gönüllü emphasized the potential to further advance economic and technological relations between Türkiye and Canada and proposed the establishment of a cooperation mechanism covering science, technology, innovation, industry, and investment. He also highlighted that areas such as micro and constellation satellite technologies, low Earth orbit communication systems, launch technologies, spaceport infrastructure, space robotics, and autonomous systems present significant opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand expressed her satisfaction with the work carried out at TÜBİTAK UZAY and the engineering capabilities of the institute. Noting that Turkey's know-how within the scope of the satellite program is impressive, Anand said that they would like to increase coordination with Turkey in many areas ranging from data applications to new generation space systems.
As part of the program, TÜBİTAK UZAY Director Mehmet Nefes delivered a presentation on the Institute’s competencies, domestically developed satellites, and strategic products. The delegation was briefed on satellite design, manufacturing, integration, testing processes, and operational capabilities.
Following the presentation, the Canadian delegation toured TÜBİTAK UZAY’s cleanroom and laboratory facilities, gaining detailed insight into ongoing technical activities. The visit also underscored the importance of strengthening international cooperation within the framework of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), which will be held in Antalya from October 5–9, 2026.
