§ Mr. Parryasked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on her recent meeting with the Prime Minister of Turkey.
§ The Prime MinisterI had a most valuable discussion with Mr. Ozal, covering a wide range of issues, which confirmed the friendship that exists between our two countries. On Turkey's relations with the European Community, we agreed that our priority must be to revitalise the association agreement and work towards a much closer economic relationship. We also discussed Cyprus, where Mr. Ozal confirmed Turkey's support for the UN Secretary General's initiative; and the latest developments in the middle east.
I welcome the progress that Mr. Ozal's Government had made towards the restoration of parliamentary democracy and the steps taken on human rights. Mr. Ozal assured me that progress would continue.
I congratulated Mr. Ozal on Turkey's recent economic performance and welcomed our increasing trading and commercial links. I told Mr. Ozal that we had further increased our medium term export credit for Turkey. During the visit, a double taxation agreement and a memorandum of understanding, agreeing to work towards an investment promotion and protection agreement, were signed. These should further encourage investment and trade between our two countries.