A speech by The Queen at the Turkish State Banquet, 2008
Published
You are playing a key role in promoting peace, political stability and economic development in some of the world's most unsettled areas.
Mr. President,
Thank you for your kind words and the generous welcome we have received today. Prince Philip and I are delighted to be back in Turkey more than 36 years after our last visit of which we have many happy memories. Here in 1971, I remarked on the tremendous achievement of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in guiding this country of rich and ancient traditions along a course towards a modern, enlightened and democratic state. One could hardly have imagined then the further strides that Turkey would take to become today's confident and dynamic democracy. In this new century, we can celebrate the links between our two countries as being stronger than ever.
The geography of this nation has, over time, not only determined much of the history of its own people but also had a powerful impact upon the wider world. Beyond being home to some of the earliest human settlements and the classical civilisation of Ancient Troy, this country occupies a key place in both Islam and Christianity.
At its height, the Ottoman Empire, with its capital in Istanbul, stretched from the gates of Vienna to North Africa. The strategic location of this country, straddling two continents, drew many into some of the bloodiest battles of the First World War, including those commemorated recently on the Gallipoli peninsula. From the ruins of that war, not only did Atatürk become the father of this modern nation, but he also famously declared that those who had come from overseas and lost their lives in this land had become Turkey's sons as well. Those sentiments echo to this day in a relationship which the United Kingdom greatly prizes.
For us, Turkey is as important now as it has ever been. Within this country, the prospect of accession to the European Union has already helped to inspire changes that are improving the lives of its citizens. Abroad, Turkey is uniquely positioned as a bridge between East and West at a crucial time for the European Union and the world in general.
Your own voice, Mr. President, and that of Prime Minister Erdogan through the Alliance of Civilisations Initiative, call for moderation and reconciliation. You are playing a key role in promoting peace, political stability and economic development in some of the world's most unsettled areas. And, in Afghanistan, our countries are partners in NATO's campaign in that troubled country.
That partnership between Turkey and the United Kingdom is manifested in so many ways, whether, for example, in promoting secure supplies of energy or battling against drugs trafficking and human smuggling. For all these reasons, the United Kingdom attaches the highest importance to our relationship, recognised by the strategic partnership entered into by our two Prime Ministers last year.
The links between us increasingly benefit ordinary people, too. Thus it is that thousands of jobs in both countries depend on our trade; Turkey is visited by two million British tourists each year; many thousand Britons have made their homes here; and, we are pleased to welcome increasing numbers of Turkish students in the United Kingdom.
Prince Philip and I will see facets of this cooperation over the coming days and so look forward to what I know will be a memorable visit.
It therefore gives me great pleasure to invite your guests to rise and drink a toast.
To the President and People of Turkey
Related content
A speech by The Queen at the Qatar State Banquet, 2010
As old and valued friends, you are particularly welcome.
Announcement of State Visits to the United Arab Emirates and Oman
A speech by The Queen at the United Nations General Assembly, 2010
In my lifetime, the United Nations has moved from being a high-minded aspiration to being a real force for common good.
A speech by The Queen in Toronto, Canada, 2010
Aujourd’hui, bien des années plus tard, j’éprouve toujours autant d’affection et d’admiration pour le Canada.
A speech by The Queen in Winnipeg, 2010
I hope that today will be a special and memorable time for each and every one of you.
A speech by The Queen on Canada Day speech, 2010
I have watched with enormous admiration how Canada has grown and matured while remaining true to its history.
A speech by The Queen at the South Africa State Banquet, 2010
South Africa and the United Kingdom have long been the closest of friends.
A speech by The Queen in Trinidad and Tobago, 2009
Prince Philip and I are delighted to be back in Trinidad and Tobago after more than twenty years, renewing our happy association with your country.
A speech by The Queen in Bermuda, 2009
The United Kingdom will continue to follow and support Bermuda's progress to the very best of her ability
A speech by The Queen at the Indian State Banquet, 2009
Relations between our two countries are built on strong and deep foundations, and are set fair for the 21st century.
A speech by The Queen at the Mexican State Visit Banquet, 2009
British engagement in independent Mexico has contributed other interests, not the least of which has been the introduction of the game of football, a subject about which I...
A speech by The Queen at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting dinner, 2009
I am delighted to welcome you all here this evening.
A speech by The Queen at the Slovakian State Banquet, 2008
Prince Philip and I are delighted to be visiting Slovakia for the first time, at a moment in our history when our two countries work side-by-side.
A speech by The Queen at the Slovenian State Banquet, 2008
I hope that this visit will demonstrate the importance the United Kingdom attaches to our relationship with Slovenia, as a partner in Europe and an ally in NATO, with whom we...
A speech by The Queen at the France State Banquet, 2008
With a growing spirit of mutual understanding on so many levels, we stand ready to face the global challenges ahead, knowing that when we work together we can produce...
State Visit to the UK by the President of the French Republic
A speech by The Queen at CHOGM, Uganda, 2007
Recognising that each one of us is made up of layer upon layer of identity and that each of our unique personalities has ties to culture, religion, community, country and...
A speech by The Queen at the CHOGM Dinner, Kampala, 2007
I am so very pleased to be with you again and wish you every success in your deliberations.
A speech by The Queen at the Parliament Building in Kampala
It gives me great pleasure to address this House today in recognition of the importance of parliamentary democracy to the Commonwealth as a whole.
A speech by The Queen at the Ugandan State Banquet,2007
We are so pleased to be back in Uganda.
A speech by The Queen at the Saudi Arabia State Banquet, 2007
The relationship between our Two Kingdoms is one of mutual benefit, learning and understanding.
A speech by The Queen at the White House Arrival Ceremony, 2007
I shall enjoy not only renewing old acquaintances and making new ones but also recognising the breadth and depth of the friendship we have shared for so long.
A speech by The Queen at the State Capitol in Richmond, Virginia, 2007
This four hundredth anniversary marks a moment to recognise the deep friendship which exists between our two countries.
A speech by The Queen at the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge
The Canadian Corps transformed Vimy Ridge from a symbol of despair into a source of inspiration.
Dates announced for the State Visit to the United States of America
A speech by The Queen at the Ghana State Banquet, 2007
Ghana today is a progressive, open society. The economy is buoyant, and growth and prosperity are being fostered by a pluralistic and lively political debate and by your...
State Banquet in Singapore, 17 March 2006
The links between Britain and Singapore are as strong as ever, and our future relationship is bright indeed.
State Visit, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, 7 March 2006
I have vivid and happy memories of my visit to Brazil with Prince Philip in 1968, especially the warmth and hospitality of the Brazilian people.