British Foreign Secretary David Lammy made his first bilateral visit to Türkiye on Monday, where he met with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. The two officials held a brief joint news conference in Ankara, discussing various issues including trade, security, and regional cooperation.
Lammy’s visit to Türkiye marks an important step in strengthening the already strong ties between the two countries. It is a testament to the growing partnership between Britain and Türkiye, and highlights the shared values and interests that unite the two nations.
During the news conference, Lammy expressed his admiration for Türkiye’s resilience in the face of various challenges, including the recent attempted coup and the ongoing refugee crisis. He also praised the Turkish government’s efforts in addressing these issues and reaffirmed Britain’s support for Türkiye.
The Foreign Secretary also emphasized the importance of economic cooperation between the two countries. With a trade volume of over $18 billion, Britain is one of Türkiye’s top trading partners. Lammy highlighted the potential for further growth in trade and investment, and expressed his commitment to working towards a more prosperous future for both nations.
In addition to economic ties, Lammy and Fidan discussed the need for continued cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Both countries have been targeted by terrorist attacks in recent years and have been working closely together to combat this global threat. The Foreign Secretary praised Türkiye’s efforts in tackling terrorism and reaffirmed Britain’s support in this fight.
The two officials also discussed regional issues, including the ongoing conflict in Syria and the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean. Lammy expressed Britain’s support for a peaceful resolution to the Syrian crisis and commended Türkiye for its role in providing humanitarian aid to millions of Syrian refugees.
The news conference was followed by a working lunch, where Lammy and Fidan had the opportunity to further discuss bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern. The Foreign Secretary also had the chance to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other high-level officials during his visit.
Lammy’s visit to Türkiye comes at a crucial time, as both countries face numerous challenges and opportunities on the global stage. It is a clear indication of the strong and enduring partnership between Britain and Türkiye, and a reaffirmation of the commitment to working together towards a more peaceful and prosperous world.
The Foreign Secretary’s visit also highlights the growing importance of Türkiye as a key player in the region and beyond. With its strategic location, strong economy, and rich cultural heritage, Türkiye has become an important partner for Britain in addressing global challenges and promoting stability and prosperity in the region.
In conclusion, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s first bilateral visit to Türkiye was a resounding success, further strengthening the already strong ties between the two nations. His visit sends a positive message of friendship and cooperation, and highlights the shared values and interests that unite Britain and Türkiye. As both countries continue to face challenges and seize opportunities, their partnership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a better future for all.
