"Counterterrorism coalition is vitally important to the security of both countries and to the security of wider region," Hammond said at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara, adding that Turkey was on the front line of the fight against terrorism.
Hammond's visit to Ankara came three days after a suspected IS suicide bomber killed 10 people and wounded 17 others in Istanbul's Sultanahmet district Tuesday.
About the "shocking terrorist attack," Hammond said "I think Tuesday's attack has only reinforced the vital importance of us working together through this strong United Kingdom-Turkish relationship to combat terrorism and build a close partnership to counter Islamic State (IS) activities."
Turkey and Britain had been working together to prevent foreign fighters from traveling to Syria, the foreign secretary said, adding that both sides would continue their "excellent" cooperation between police and security forces.
Xinhua -globaltimes.cn
15/1/16
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UK calls on PKK to cease attacks on Turkey...
ReplyDeleteTurkey is legitimate in defending itself against attacks from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), Britain’s top diplomat has said, calling on the militant group to cease its destructive attacks on Turkey while underlining the importance of stability in Southeast Anatolian for the wider region.
“We are clear the PKK have to cease their destructive attacks on Turkey. The loss of brave Turkish soldiers and police, and others caught up in the violence is tragic for this country. And we believe Turkey has a legitimate right to defend itself against the PKK. We hope, though, that Turkey will soon be able to return to dialogue in order to find a lasting peace. A stable southeast will be important not just for Turkey, but for the wider region,” British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond told the Hürriyet Daily News in an interview on Jan. 14.
Hammond arrived in Ankara to hold talks with Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and address Turkish ambassadors gathered for an annual conference.
Here is the full transcript of the interview with the secretary:.......http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/uk-calls-on-pkk-to-cease-attacks-on-turkey.aspx?pageID=238&nID=93871&NewsCatID=351