Turkey UK Strategic Partnership 2007/08

• Cooperation , on the basis of our shared commitment to keeping NATO fully effective, to ensure that NATO can fully implement the deliverables agreed at the 2006 Riga Summit.

• Continued support for Turkish participation in EU military and civilian missions conducted through European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).
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• Support for development of Turkey’s Centre of Excellence Defence Against Terrorism (CoE-DAT), building on its NATO accreditation, identifying and developing areas of expertise where it can become the acknowledged NATO expert.

Global security

• More action in the fight against terrorism. Improved operational engagement and exchange of intelligence and evidence. Enhanced co-operation on the terrorist threat posed by PKK/KONGRA-GEL, particularly its activities in the EU area, including terrorist financing and propaganda, in accordance with UNSCRs 1373, 1624 and 1566. Enhanced cooperation on the threat from Al-Qaida and other associated extremist groups.

• A better understanding of the factors causing radicalisation and how to deal with identified root causes. Enhanced cooperation on identifying ways to counter extremist messages and continued engagement on promoting understanding, e.g. Alliance of Civilisations, emphasising the need for action-focussed delivery.

• Improved mutual understanding of crime and terrorism and the harm they do to both Turkey and the UK. Regular updates of our joint assessments of the threat posed by Terrorism, Drugs and Organised Crime. A better understanding of the factors causing radicalisation and how to deal with its effects.

• Increased risk to organised criminals. We shall maximise opportunities for more effective Counter Narcotics and Anti Money Laundering impact. Closer operational co-operation in undercover officer deployments, witness protection capability. Controlled Deliveries between Turkey and the UK. Joint workshops on special investigation techniques, controlled delivery applications, regional drug trafficking trends and case studies.

• Implementation of our MoU to assist in the fight against organised crime.

• Greater capacity building. Increased focus on combating and disrupting illegal transit migration along the south-eastern route to the EU through strengthened border management. Shared expertise on terrorist-related issues, building on recent joint learning on terrorism legislation and financing.

Enhancing regional stability

• Joint dialogue on Iraq, to promote our shared objective of preserving Iraq’s territorial integrity and political unity and establishing a stable, prosperous and democratic Iraq.

• Promote reconciliation and reform in the Middle East through support for the Middle East Peace Process, regional peace-keeping, cooperation bilaterally and in international fora, and regular consultations between the relevant departments of our MFAs.

• Support for Afghanistan, and for ISAF’s mission. Encourage and support initiatives that enhance good governance, the rule of law, education, and the development of alternative incomes for farmers.

• Look for opportunities for partnerships to promote economic development in the above areas.

• Help to resolve conflicts in the Southern Caucasus, in particular Nagorno-Karabagh. Promotion of stronger human rights and democracy in the region. Work to enhance regional stability and security in the South Caucasus and Central Asia through promoting the integration of these countries with the international community.

• Support for the UN Security Council process on Iran, including for full implementation of any measures imposed. Continue to urge Iran to suspend its proliferation sensitive activities.

• Promote stability and sustainable development in the Balkans, in particular a lasting final status settlement for Kosovo. Strengthen human rights and democracy. Contribute to regional stability and security and promote closer relations with the wider international community.

• British Council regional networking and skills development courses for young leaders.
  
  

Climate change and energy security 

• Joint work to support Turkey’s ambition to be a global energy hub, through an enhanced UK/Turkey Energy dialogue, with an emphasis on diversifying energy sources and transport routes. Shared best practice on issues surrounding energy market liberalisation, to ensure transparency and market pricing. UK involvement in regional energy conferences and regional groupings in the Middle East, Black Sea and Caspian.

• Joint work on Climate Change, especially on renewables, technology transfer and climate change agreements. Cooperation on the effects of climate change on human health. Further cooperation on the basis of Turkey’s First National Communication on Climate Change to the UN.

• Greater technical co-operation on maritime safety and security, especially in the Turkish Straits. Cooperation on marine and coastal research and management including pollution reduction, remediation, prevention and control. Continued monitoring of environmental and security concerns of oil transit through the Turkish Straits, and promotion of pipelines that help to reduce the pressures on this route. Further coordination on issues with regard to activities carried out by IMO and EMSA, and support for Turkey’s effective participation in activities originated by EMSA.

• Joint work on the energy and environment chapters of the EU accession process. UK involvement in future EU environment twinning projects.

• Work with UK companies, to ensure future investment on energy and climate change projects, building on the success of the BP-led consortium’s BTC pipeline.

• Joint programmes in support of these objectives, including the Foreign Office Global Opportunities Fund.
  
  

Increasing our bilateral trade and investment