Second Anniversary Message from the Rt Hon William Hague MP

A message from the Rt Hon William Hague MP

Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

“As we recover from the current economic crisis, the case for a strong bilateral partnership between Britain and Turkey has intensified over the last 12 months. Turkey is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and driven by its young and entrepreneurial workforce, it is forecast to be one of the world’s top ten economies by 2050. Our commercial relationship with Turkey is strong and growing, supported by business networks such as the UK –Turkey CEO Forum, which will help deliver a doubling in bilateral trade by 2015.

Our partnership is also built around shared interests in security and defence where we cooperate closely in NATO to establish stability in Afghanistan and the Western Balkans. On Syria, Turkey has played an important role in intensifying the international pressure on the Assad regime and few countries are better placed to influence events across North Africa and the Middle East where the situation remains uncertain.

It is within this context that organisations such as the Centre for Turkey Studies make an important contribution. In providing a forum for debating foreign affairs, economic issues, and social developments in Turkey and the region, the Centre for Turkey Studies is helping to strengthen the myriad ties between Britain and Turkey at a governmental, commercial, cultural, and educational level. I applaud the work of the Centre for Turkey Studies since its founding two years ago and I look forward to its important contribution in the coming years.”

Rt Hon William Hague MP

Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs