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Britain vows to stand by Turkey in anti-terror campaign

Xinhua, January 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said on Thursday that Britain will stand by Turkey in its fight against terrorism.

"Counterterrorism coalition is vitally important to the security of both countries and to the security of wider region," Hammond said at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara, adding that Turkey was on the front line of the fight against terrorism.

Hammond's visit to Ankara came three days after a suspected IS suicide bomber killed 10 people and wounded 17 others in Istanbul's Sultanahmet district Tuesday.

About the "shocking terrorist attack," Hammond said "I think Tuesday's attack has only reinforced the vital importance of us working together through this strong United Kingdom-Turkish relationship to combat terrorism and build a close partnership to counter Islamic State (IS) activities."

Turkey and Britain had been working together to prevent foreign fighters from traveling to Syria, the foreign secretary said, adding that both sides would continue their "excellent" cooperation between police and security forces. Endit