Queen visits Turkey

Tuesday May 13th , 2008

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have arrived in Turkey for their first state visit in more than 30 years.

A delegation from the UK, which includes foreign minister David Miliband, will spend four days in the country, visiting places such as Istanbul, Ankara and Bursa.

It is expected that Mr Milliband will take the opportunity to reaffirm Britain's support for Turkey's planned bid to join the European Union.

The British government has consistently supported the idea of Turkey becoming a member state, although countries such as France have argued against it.

Commenting on the Turkish trip, a Foreign Office spokesperson said: "It is a symbolic visit to reiterate UK support for democratic reform and modernisation in Turkey and continuous support for its eventual accession to the EU."

Turkey's planned bid to become an EU member has already been publicly supported by prime minister Gordon Brown.

Last year, Mr Brown held a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart during which he said he is in favour of the country's accession.