MINISTER LIDINGTON SAYS HE ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO TURKEY'S EU MEMBERSHIP

Egemen Bagis, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator, held a phone conversation with David Lidington, who has recently become a Minister of State for Europe in Great Britain.

In his statement after the meeting, Bagis said that the British Minister Lidington called him via phone. Indicating that he wished success for Minister Lidington in his new post, Bagis said, "In our meeting, we agreed on mutual visits."

Bagis continued as follows:

"I also expressed that I expect the support of Great Britain on behalf of Turkey in the voting to be held for the 2016 European Football Championship. I also indicated my expectation for EU countries to begin direct trade with Cyprus."

Stating that he expressed his thoughts about Cyprus on the phone conversation with the British Minister Lidington, Bagis also said: "I indicated that we had to continue our cooperation for a comprehensive and peaceful solution in Cyprus. Furthermore, he informed me that the new Government has supported the cooperation on the Environment Chapter, initiated during the term of the Labor Party, which was in power in the previous term. Minister Lidington also said that they attach great importance to Turkey's EU membership."

Source: AA