United Kingdom wants to see Turkey continue progress in the negotiation process for joining Europe, according to UK Minister of State for Europe, David Lidington.
"UK remains a very strong and committed supporter of Turkey's application for full membership of the EU. We want to see that process move forward," said Lidington, in a visit he made to Turkey's EU Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara on Wednesday.
Lidington said the UK is pleased to see the EU Commission's initiatives to establish some benchmarks and key dossiers on Turkey's EU bid. He stressed that it is important to open the energy chapter in early discussions.
"Energy supply, prices and security do not only matter to governments, they are subjects that are important for the everyday lives of every family," he said.
Lidington also said UK hopes to see progress in chapter 23, Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, and chapter 24, Justice, Freedom and Security, as soon as possible.
Turkey's EU Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu thanked United Kingdom and British people for their support and attitude about Turkey's importance to the EU and its economic and foreign policy capactiy.
Cavusoglu also stressed the importance of Turkey and Britain's political party-based dialogues and said, "The relations between political parties contribute to both domestic and foreign issues. We see that AK Party's relations with Conservative Party contribute much to European Parliament".
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