May seeks closer Turkey ties
Trump backs Brexit to seal special relationship with Britain
British Prime Minister Theresa May arrived in Turkey yesterday for her first visit since becoming premier, hoping to expand ties and seal a new trading relationship before Britain leaves the EU.
Fresh from meeting new US President Donald Trump at the White House, May hEld talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on a one-day visit to the Turkish capital Ankara.
As is traditional for any visiting leader, she started the visit by laying a wreath at the mausoleum of Turkey's modern founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
May walked on tight rope to strike a delicate balance between showing Britain's keen interest in expanding trade with Turkey while echoing European alarm over the magnitude of the crackdown since the July 15 failed coup.
Turkey, which has sought to join the European Union since the 1960s, has long seen Britain as one of the most enthusiastic supporters of its troubled bid.
But following Britain's June vote to leave the bloc, both sides are now looking to bring a new dynamic to relations, with London seeking to firm up post-Brexit trade deals with non-EU states.
Symbolically, her visit to Turkey is the last leg of a trip which took her to the White House as the first foreign leader to be hosted by Trump.
May's spokeswoman said increased security cooperation, especially on aviation, and a new trade relationship post-Brexit would top the agenda at the talks.
Countering criticism from MPs that Britain was cosying up to Turkey while turning a blind eye to its human rights record, May also pressed Turkey leaders ensure rights to the people after the failed coup to oust erdogan last year .
In US, Trump on Friday used his first official press conference with a foreign leader to throw the full weight of the US Presidency behind Brexit.
Theresa May stood next to President Trump as he declared that a "free and independent" Britain outside the EU would be a "blessing" for the world.
May praised Trump's election win as a "stunning victory" and confirmed that he has accepted an invitation for a state visit during which he will meet the Queen.