Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Catherine Ashton neemt deel aan Global Counter Terrorism Forum in Istanbul (en)

Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission, visits Turkey today. She will represent the European Union at the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, before co-chairing the EU-Turkey Ministerial Meeting with Commissioner Stefan Füle and Ahmed Davutoglu and Egemen Bagis, the Turkish Ministers for Foreign Affairs and European Affairs respectively

"We are absolutely determined to work together in the fight against terrorism. Following the successful launch of the Global Counter Terrorism Forum in September in New York, I look forward to further progress in Istanbul," said Catherine Ashton

The GCTF, launched in New York last September, brings together governments from around the world which are committed to fighting the scourge of terrorism. The meeting will be jointly opened by FM Davutoglu and Secretary of State Clinton, and will be addressed by the FIR VP on behalf of the EU

The EU-Turkey Ministerial meeting will cover issues of joint interest in our common neighbourhood - North Africa, Middle East and Western Balkans as well as relations under the revised Accession Partnership following the opening of accession negotiations

There will be a joint press conference following the meeting at 18.30 Istanbul time. Video/photo coverage of the visit will be available from Europe by Satellite

Further information: Michael Mann: +32.498.999780