Minister Fidan met with his British counterpart Lammy

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan began his contacts during his visit to the United Kingdom. Minister Fidan met with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy as part of his first official visit to the UK at the bilateral level. The meeting discussed the satisfaction regarding the development of bilateral cooperation in all areas, the negotiations aimed at expanding the scope of Turkey’s existing Free Trade Agreement, new cooperation topics including energy and transportation, the steps that the two allied countries can take in the defense industry, the importance of cooperation in the fight against terrorism, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, concerns about Israel starting to directly target the United Nations and its institutions, initiatives for achieving a lasting ceasefire in the region amid Israel’s attacks on Iran following Palestine and Lebanon, and an exchange of views regarding the vision of a two-state solution.

“The UK and Turkey have indispensable relations as NATO allies at the two ends of Europe”

At the beginning of the meeting, the British Minister expressed his pleasure in hosting Minister Fidan, stating, “I was very pleased to have met when I was in the opposition. Frankly, my friend had predicted what would happen in the future. We have met several times since then. Because the UK and Turkey have indispensable relations as NATO allies at the two ends of Europe. We share the same views on many issues together. I want to express how horrified I am by the terrorist attack that took place in Turkey a few days ago. I stand in complete solidarity with Turkey. I extend my condolences to those who lost their loved ones in this incident,” he said.

Addressing the events in the Middle East, Minister Lammy added, “We have topics to discuss, especially regarding our common concerns related to the war in Europe and the Middle East and the situation in Sudan. Moreover, the UK and Turkey have tremendous trade relations. Our trade relations are at the level of 26 billion pounds. We have strong ties built over 101 years. This is quite remarkable, and that’s why it is great to host you here today.”

“Gaza, Palestine, and Lebanon on our agenda”

Foreign Minister Fidan thanked his counterpart, stating, “We have known each other since your time in the opposition. I am pleased to see that our friendship and unity contribute to the ongoing good relations between our countries. Turkey and the United Kingdom have deep-rooted strategic relations. Our goal is to continue to strengthen cooperation between our countries. I believe we will have a very productive meeting today. Our areas of cooperation and strong relations cover a wide range, including our strong trade ties. I believe we will have productive consultations aimed at updating the existing Free Trade Agreement today,” he stated. Minister Fidan concluded his remarks as follows: “Regional issues, especially Gaza, Palestine, and Lebanon, are also on our agenda. I also thank you for the solidarity you have shown against terrorism. This is very meaningful.”

The last visit was in January.

British Minister Lammy had visited Turkey on March 4 as Shadow Foreign Secretary. The last visit at the level of Foreign Minister from the UK to Turkey was made on January 26 by then Foreign Minister David Cameron.