Europe

British PM in Turkey to discuss “tackling terrorism”

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The British Prime Minister David Cameron is paying his first visit to Turkey in four years.
The number one item on his agenda is seeking more help in identifying radicalised Britons travelling through Turkey on their way to join Takfiri terrorist organisations such as ISIL fighting in Syria and Iraq. As well as counter-terrorism, both sides are also discussing other issues. Following on from the visit of the European Union’s High Representative, Federica Mogherini, Cameron will voice continued British support for Turkey’s long-standing application to join the EU. Furthermore, Downing Street has said that boosting UK-Turkish trade is on the table. The most urgent issue for Britain is that around 500 British would-be militants have travelled to the region, using Turkey as a transit destination. It is thought that around half of those have returned to the UK. Last week two British men were jailed for more than 12 years each, after being found guilty of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts. The visit by British Prime Minister David Cameron to Turkey will concentrate on political and economic issues. The focus – particularly given the current situation in the region – will be on counter terrorism and how to stop Britons crossing into Syria and Iraq to join ISIL terrorists.

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