Turkish President Erdoğan and UK Prime Minister May discuss regional issues, terrorism and economic ties in a joint press conference
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and UK Prime Minister Theresa May delivered a joint press conference in Ankara on Saturday.
May expressed that she was “proud" the UK had stood beside Turkey in defense of its democracy following the failed July 15 coup attempt.
"Now it is important that Turkey sustains this democracy by maintaining the rule of law and upholding its human rights obligations," Premier May said.
Since the failed coup, operations have been ongoing in the military, police and judiciary, as well as in state institutions across the country, to arrest suspects with alleged links to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ). More than 100,000 people have been dismissed or suspended from their jobs.
May said she wants to build on oppurtunities for trade to benefit both countries.
Turkey aims to increase the trade volume with the UK from $15.6 billion to $20 billion, said Erdoğan.
“Cooperation, especially in the field of energy, is possible. British investments in Turkey would be very pleasing," the Turkish President stated.
The leaders also discussed Cyprus, Syria and stepping up aviation security cooperation.
“Syria and Iraq are of great importance. We want to take our collaboration to another level. We spoke about the Astana process, and dealt with matters regarding Cyprus and Somalia," said Erdoğan.
Mutual steps in the defense industry were also discussed, as Erdoğan announced that important steps would be taken regarding the TF-X Fighter Jet Project.
The UK's BAE Systems and state-owned Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) will establish a partnership for the development of the TF-X fighter jet.
May stressed that Turkey was one of Britain's "oldest friends" with relations going back over 400 years, referring to the establishment of relations between the Ottoman Empire and England under Elizabeth I.
The United Kingdom was the second-largest destination for Turkish exports in 2015, buying $10.6 billion in goods, according to IMF trade data. Only Germany imports more from Turkey.
The UK is keen to start laying the groundwork for bilateral trade agreements for when it leaves the EU in about two years' time.
