2015 Anniversary Message from Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP

“The UK and Turkey continue to enjoy a strong bilateral relationship, underpinned by 2010 ‘Strategic Partnership’ agreement. Turkey is Europe’s Emerging Power, an important NATO ally and a valued security partner to the UK. We work closely with Turkey on a range of foreign policy challenges in the Middle East, most notably on addressing the problems stemming from the continuing conflict in Syria and cooperating against the threat posed by ISIL.

Turkey is also integral to the success of the UK’s prosperity goals, reflecting its record of sustained economic growth. Turkey’s long term economic prospects offer substantial opportunities for UK firms, and UK expertise can help Turkey realise its grand ambitions for its role in the region and the world by 2023; the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic. It is in this context that I welcome the Centre for Turkey Studies’ efforts in 2014 to help us deepen cultural, political and business links between our two countries.”

Yours sincerely,

The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP