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Turkish PM to discuss Cyprus in UK

Türkiye Materials 31 March 2011 09:21 (UTC +04:00)
Turkey's prime minister departed Wednesday from capital Ankara for Britain for a formal visit, Anadolu Agency reported.
Turkish PM to discuss Cyprus in UK

Turkey's prime minister departed Wednesday from capital Ankara for Britain for a formal visit, Anadolu Agency reported.

Speaking to reporters prior to his departure from Esenboga Airport, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Cyprus issue would be on the agenda of his talks in Britain.

Noting that negotiations in Cyprus had come to a deadlock due to Greek Cypriot party's efforts to "run out the clock", Erdogan said, "We want this reality to be seen by everybody. Negotiations cannot remain unconcluded forever".

Erdogan said the Turkish party was displaying efforts for a rapid, fair and lasting solution in the island.

He also said holding a high-level meeting in Cyprus with the participation of Turkish and Greek sides and guarantor countries was of vital importance to conclude the matter with an agreement.

Erdogan said that Turkey's EU negotiation process, G-20, latest developments in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as regional and international matters would also be discussed during his talks with British officials.

He said implementation of UN Security Council's resolutions on Libya and ways to help Libyan nation establish peace and security would be discussed during his meeting British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Commenting on Turkey's EU process as well, Erdogan said that Britain had always expressed support for Turkey's EU bid.

Pointing to several countries' efforts to block Turkey's membership, Erdogan said Turkey expected its friend Britain to assume a pioneering and leading role in the ongoing process.

The Turkish premier also said that cooperation opportunities between Turkey and Britain in various areas such as energy, tourism, IT sector and construction would be assessed during a business forum and conference to be attended by representatives of Turkish and British private sectors as well as relevant ministers during his visit.

Turkish State Minister & Chief Negotiator for EU Talks Egemen Bagis, State Minister Zafer Caglayan and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek are accompanying Erdogan during his visit to Britain.

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