§ 43. Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his Turkish counterpart on defence matters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HeseltineI paid a visit to Ankara last month, during which I had valuable and wide-ranging discussions on defence matters of both bilateral and Alliance interest with the Turkish Defence Minister and other members of the Turkish Government. I agreed with Mr. Bayulken that unity of purpose and solidarity in the Alliance were more important than ever, in particular for the credibility of NATO's policy of deterrence and for the successful conclusion of arms control negotiations. We reaffirmed the value of continued co-operation in defence.