Turkey’s
Political Relations with the UK
Historical Background:
The UK is one of the first countries with which the Ottoman Empire
established regular diplomatic relations. The first ambassador appointed
by the UK to the Ottoman Empire, William Harborne, started his term
in Istanbul in 1583. The appointment of Yusuf Agah Efendi as the
Ottoman Ambassador to London in 1793 is considered to be the beginning
of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Prior to the foundation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, the two
countries had had a checkered history. From 1923 onwards, there
has been a positive trend in the bilateral relations between Turkey
and the UK in all fields.
Political Relations
The bilateral relations between Turkey and the UK have a multi-dimensional
character due to strong historical ties. The UK, as a NATO ally,
is also one of Turkey’s major partners in Europe. The frequency
of reciprocal visits at all levels reflects the improvement in the
relations between the two countries. An Action Plan was adopted
between Turkey and the UK during the visit paid by British Prime
Minister Tony Blair to Turkey on 17 May 2004. This plan reflects
the strong dialogue and the multidimensional nature of relations
between the two countries and sets out the concrete steps to be
taken in various areas in order to deepen the existing cooperation.
The UK, which backed the confirmation of Turkey’s EU candidacy
at the Helsinki Summit, was also one of the countries that strongly
supported Turkey’s demand to set a date to start accession
negotiations at the Copenhagen Summit in December 2002. The opposition
parties in the UK also share similar views with the British Government
with regard to Turkey’s EU membership, as the UK deems an
EU where Turkey is also a member more in line with its EU vision
and strategic conception. The UK continued to support the decision
to start accession negotiations with Turkey during and after the
EU Summit held on 17 December 2004.It is estimated that 80.000 Turkish
citizens reside in Britain.
All Party Turkey Group
Labour Friends of Turkey
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