British queen hosts dinner in honor of Turkish president

LONDON (A.A) - November 23, 2011 - Queen Elizabeth II of Britain on Tuesday hosted a dinner in the honor of Turkish President Abdullah Gul and his spouse at the Buckingham Palace. Gul pays a state visit to London. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu also attended the dinner. "I am utterly pleased to be here to reaffirm the historical and strong ties between our two countries whose relations date centuries back," Gul told the dinner.          Gul said Turkey and Britain as the two great empires of the past now sat on the two corners of Europe as two modern democratic states, adding, "we share a long common history, rooted experience in statecraft, common values and a joint vision for the future."  Gul said Turkey and Britain were strategic partners, adding that they shared a strong willingness to act concertedly against "the hardships of the modern day."    Also speaking at the meeting, Queen Elizabeth II said Britain and Turkey were two close allies in NATO, adding that the countries shared much in the past. "When I visited your country back in 2008, we have witnessed the great transformation Turkey has gone through since my previous visit in 1971. We have witnessed the dynamic and vibrant Turkish economy. Thanks to the unique geographical position of your country, Turkey and Mr. President have and important and an active role in world politics," the Queen said.     The British Queen offered condolences for a powerful earthquake that jolted eastern Turkey and she expressed Britian's support for Turkey's fight against terrorism.