British PM Cameron first visit to Turkey next week for bilateral talks

British Prime Minister David Cameron is slated to pay a two-day visit to Turkey next week for talks on a number of issues of common concern. During his visit on Monday and Tuesday, Cameron will meet Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara to discuss bilateral ties, Turkey's relations with the European Union, and regional and international developments concerning both Turkey and Britain, Erdogan's office said yesterday. The two sides will also sign an updated version of the Strategic Partnership Document that lists targets for strengthening bilateral cooperation, it added. The document was first signed in 2007 during a visit by Erdogan to London. Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague will accompany Cameron on his maiden trip to Turkey as prime minister. Britain has been a firm supporter of Turkey's efforts to become an EU member. Turkey's EU accession process has been slowed down by opposition from France and German to the country's longstanding EU aspirations, as well as a row between Turkey and the EU over the divided island of Cyprus.