"Britain and Turkey - a strategic bridge
The Queen's state visit should reinforce ties between the two countries
State visits are an opportunity to strengthen Britain's overseas links, renew friendships, deepen political co-operation and send a symbolic message to public opinion, at home and abroad, that the host country matters. Few visits have been as timely or as significant as the Queen's current tour of Turkey. As she noted in her banquet speech, the country is uniquely positioned as a bridge between East and West at a crucial time for the European Union and the wider world. It plays a key role in promoting peace, stability and development in an unsettled area. And it has remained a staunch Nato ally throughout the Cold War and during decades of Middle East turmoil."
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