Our role
- The UK/Turkey relationship is a strong one. We engage across a wide variety of political issues. We are strong economic partners. We are allies in NATO. We are working together for Turkey's accession to the European Union. Around two million Britons holiday in Turkey every year, while 100,000 Turks travel to the UK for business or pleasure. The aim of the Embassy and of our other posts in Turkey is to sustain and develop this important relationship.
- Turkey is a priority country for the UK's Strategic policy goals. As a secular democracy of 70 million, the vast majority Muslim, it shows that Islam and democracy can coexist and it is a key partner in the fight against Al Qaida-inspired terrorism. It has a strong set of relationships and great credibility in the Middle East, and uses its regional influence to promote peace. It is a major player in the Cyprus dispute. It is on a key transit route for illegal immigration. It is a developing energy corridor to Europe. Turkey's EU membership process is of particular importance to its progress in all these areas and to its meeting the highest standards of democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights.
- Turkey is also important in terms of the FCO's essential services. It is the seventh largest UK visa market centre worldwide. It is a major trading partner and destination for UK investment, as well as a promising inward investor to the UK and regional hub for international business. It is a major tourist destination, and home to an increasing number of resident British nationals.
- Through our global network, other UK government departments engage on military cooperation, counter terrorism liaison, and on fighting drug trafficking and other organised crime. There is also huge potential on educational cooperation and related exports, on which the British Council leads.
Press & public affairs section
Our mission has a vide variety of public diplomacy activity including speeches and presentations....
