Turkish PM receives UK Minister

ANKARA

Turkey’s prime minister received Britain’s minister of state for Europe and the Americas at the Cankaya Palace Wednesday and voiced his desire to enhance cooperation between Turkey and the United Kingdom, according to prime ministry sources.

Describing the U.K. as an “ally” and "friend”, Binali Yildirim said Turkey was pleased with the high level of political dialogue and relations.

The joint cooperation between Turkey and Britain including refugee issues, fighting against terrorism and Turkey’s EU membership process along with the Cyprus negotiations were discussed during the meeting.

Alan Duncan conveyed his condolences for the New Year’s Eve attack on an Istanbul nightclub that killed 39 people and said Britain would continue to stand in solidarity with Turkey in combatting terrorism.

Alan Duncan had visited the Turkish capital and was received by Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim at the parliament nearly a week after the deadly coup attempt in July.

Reporting by Mumin Altas; Writing by Sibel Ugurlu