14 September
HE Abdurrahman Bilgiç, Ambassador of Turkey
The British public has a rising interest in Turkey and commercial relations are growing stronger
“The history of our relations with Britain date back to over 500 years to the 16th century, when the first contacts between the Ottoman Empire and Britain developed in the field of commerce. The historic special ties between our countries provide for the solid ground and the necessary potential to enhance and expand the friendly relations in every field to the mutual benefit of our respective nations. In this regard, I am determined to develop and strengthen our relations in all fields.
Britain was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Ottoman Empire. William Harborne was the first UK ambassador who assumed his duties at the Sublime Port in 1583. Ottoman Empire, on the other hand, appointed its first ambassador to a foreign country starting with Britain and Yusuf Agah Efendi became the first Ottoman Ambassador in London in 1793.”
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