Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the aims and objectives are of the Government’s policy on Turkey. [92247]

David Lidington MP; Minister of State: The Government’s Strategic Partnership with Turkey directly contributes to the UK’s and Turkey’s security and prosperity. We are making good progress towards the Prime Minister’s goal of doubling trade within five years of his visit to Turkey in 2010-trade figures for 2011 show an increase of 40% since 2009. We will continue to develop our already close collaboration on security issues in those regions where the UK and Turkey share significant interests, including the middle east, north Africa and Afghanistan-Pakistan. The UK and Turkey will also implement new defence agreements on training and defence acquisition, signed during the State visit, and develop our active programme of co-operation to counter irregular migration and organised crime.