UKinTurkey Newsletter
March-April-May/ 2013 (Nr:2)
Message from the British Ambassador Welcome to the second edition of the UK in Turkey newsletter. In offering this publication to all British residents in Turkey, our aim is to give you an insight into how, through the UK’s diplomatic and trade network in Turkey, we are promoting UK interests here. There is obviously a limit to what we can say here about political developments; but I am sure that all of you will have been following media reporting about the demonstrations which have taken place in cities across Turkey in recent days. We are regularly updating our travel advice to reflect developments. Please follow our Twitter and Facebook accounts for updates. The key message is that you should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. In this issue you’ll find details of the Turkish Government’s new Foreigners and International Protection Bill, as well as of the implementation of a new electronic visa system for all foreigners travelling to Turkey. Both measures will clearly have a direct impact on British residents living in Turkey. I’m pleased to say that, as far as we are aware so far, the introduction of the e-visa system appears to have caused minimal disruption for British travellers. Indeed, based on some of the comments I have seen on the Embassy’s Facebook page, many compare the system favourably with the previous (and still operating) “ visa on arrival” system. It has been a busy few months for our trade and investment relationship. We have hosted important visits by the UK’s Sport and Tourism Minister, Hugh Robertson, to showcase our expertise in delivering major sporting events (most prominently London 2012, looking ahead to the possibility that Istanbul will win the 2020 Games), and by the Lord Mayor of the City of London to promote the UK’s world-class reputation in financial services and set out what we can offer the Istanbul Financial Centre. And in March, we launched the GREAT campaign at Turkey’s annual gathering of business leaders at the Uludag summit. Over the coming twelve months, through events across Turkey, we will be highlighting British expertise in innovation, design and technology to ensure that our companies remain well-placed to benefit from the huge commercial opportunities that exist in one of the world’s main emerging markets. If you would like to stay up to date with all of our recent activities, please check our Facebook and Twitter accounts (note - attach addresses). We update these accounts every day. Among other things, you’ll find details there of all important travel advice updates for Turkey. I wish you all an enjoyable summer David Reddaway Ambassador, Ankara
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