Turkey and Britain have agreed to work together more closely to boost the economy, combat terrorism, address regional conflicts and push Turkey’s EU bid, according to the updated strategic-partnership document signed Tuesday by their leaders.
The document, which was first implemented during Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Britain in 2007, recalls that “golden age” in the two countries’ relationship.
The updated version signed by Erdoğan and British Prime Minister David Cameron, who paid a landmark first trip to Turkey early this week after taking power in May, tightens the strong bonds of alliance between the two countries and encourages them to cooperate on a wide range of global challenges.
According to the strategic-partnership document, a copy of which was obtained by the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review, Turkey and Britain are committed to reviewing their bilateral relationship on an annual basis. The following quotes are excerpts from the document:
Reciprocal visits to increase
“We commit to enhancing our bilateral relations in all fields. To this end, reciprocal visits will be intensified in the period ahead.”
Trade and investment
“We commit to working together as G-20 members, and major European trading nations, to overcome the global financial crisis, and to increasing bilateral trade and investment. Progress will be driven by the annual Turkey/UK JETCO [Joint Economic and Trade Committee].”
Britain to champion Turkey’s EU aspirations
“We commit to advancing the clear case for Turkish membership in the European Union. Turkey will actively pursue its accession and reform program. The United Kingdom will champion Turkey’s accession process, and support Turkey to meet the accession criteria.”
Counter-terrorism dialogue against PKK
“We commit to tackling all forms of terrorism and organized crime, especially drug trafficking. Efforts to bring an end to the international terrorist threat, including that of the [outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or] PKK, as well as combating organized crime and the proliferation threat will be driven collectively by the annual ministerial counter-terrorism dialogue and the Bosphorus Group of operational leads.”
Regional stability and peace
“We commit to regular, sustained and substantive engagement at all levels to support progress on resolving regional conflicts and promoting stability, especially in the Middle East, Afghanistan, the Western Balkans, Central Asia, the South Caucasus and the [Indian] subcontinent. Turkey and the United Kingdom have a shared vision of a peaceful region, underpinned by respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”
Cyprus
“We commit to working for a Cyprus settlement, based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, in accordance with the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions and in line with the joint statements of the two leaders in Cyprus during the current round of negotiations.”
Defense
“We commit to pursuing a stronger defense relationship through regular bilateral defense-staff talks and single-service-staff talks, as well as regular talks covering other areas of defense cooperation; including through co-operation in defense manufacturing. As NATO allies, we commit to stepping up our joint and individual efforts in particular on Afghanistan, including in support of the gradual transition to Afghan responsibility in the country.”
Illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons
“We commit to combating the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons that pose a significant threat to peace and security as well as to socioeconomic development worldwide. Turkey and the United Kingdom agree on the need for an international arms-trade treaty to regulate the trade in conventional arms.”
Tackling illegal migration
“We commit to stepping up our existing and fruitful cooperation to fight illegal migration, including sharing expertise, experience, technology and intelligence. Progress will be reviewed in twice-annual reviews of migration objectives by the relevant high-level authorities.”
Energy security and a low-carbon future
“We commit to supporting progress toward a southern energy corridor through Turkey to the EU. We commit to pursuing low-carbon economies in accordance with our sustainable-development goals. We will continue to maintain the annual bilateral energy dialogue to support these goals. In this context, a new bilateral taskforce will support Turkey’s efforts to implement climate policies.”
Intercultural dialogue
“We commit to promoting intercultural dialogue in order to combat the rising phenomena of racism, discrimination, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and related intolerance that threaten the principles and ideals both countries are attached to.”
Education and culture
“We commit to forging stronger educational and cultural links, including supporting long-term partnerships between Turkish and British higher-education institutions and research collaboration, while also encouraging and facilitating wider human and inter-societal contacts between the two countries.”
