The United Kingdom’s National Day, marking the official birthday of King Charles III, was celebrated in Ankara with a reception held under the theme “A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Visit Britain.” Hosted by British Ambassador to Ankara Jill Morris, the reception brought together Deputy Foreign Minister Zeki Levent Gümrükçü, ambassadors, representatives of diplomatic missions, businesspeople and guests.
Describing the relationship between the United Kingdom and Türkiye as “a true strategic partnership,” Ambassador Jill Morris said the Strategic Partnership Framework signed by the two countries in April covers all areas from trade and defence to energy and climate, adding, “This reflects our shared commitment to deepening our cooperation.”
TOURISM IS ONE OF THE MOST VIBRANT BRIDGES
Recalling that this year’s reception was organised under the theme “A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Visit Britain,” Morris said, “This theme is an invitation to celebrate culture and connection, while also reminding us of the genuine and lasting ties between our peoples. Tourism remains one of the most vibrant bridges between our countries; every year, millions of people travel in both directions, discovering each other’s history, geography and traditions.”
I AM LEAVING WITH CHERISHED MEMORIES
Announcing that her term of office will come to an end this summer, Morris said, “This will be my final King’s Birthday celebration in Ankara as my posting concludes at the end of the summer. I will always be grateful for the warm welcome and hospitality I have received throughout my time in Türkiye and wherever I have had the opportunity to travel. I am leaving with cherished memories and hope to return frequently in the future.”
A RELATIONSHIP SPANNING FIVE CENTURIES
Deputy Foreign Minister Zeki Levent Gümrükçü recalled that diplomatic relations between the two countries date back nearly five centuries, saying, “We are experiencing perhaps one of the most promising and positive periods in our relations. The Strategic Partnership Framework signed in April presents an ambitious vision for the future of our relationship and a clear roadmap for achieving that goal.”
TRADE VOLUME REACHED $25 BILLION
Noting that trade volume between the two countries reached approximately $25 billion last year, Gümrükçü said, “Despite this impressive figure, I believe we have the potential to increase trade and investment even further. Our trade ministries are working closely to modernise and expand the scope of the free trade agreement, and once that work is completed, I am confident we will surpass the current figures by a considerable margin.”
A TRANSFORMATIVE PERIOD FOR THE FUTURE OF EUROPEAN SECURITY
Gümrükçü also highlighted the contribution that Türkiye and the United Kingdom, two NATO allies with strong defence industries, make to European security, saying, “At a time when we are going through a transformative period for the future of European security, cooperation between the United Kingdom and Türkiye is more important than ever. Türkiye’s recent entry into the Eurofighter family also demonstrates the advanced level our partnership has reached.”
Gümrükçü added that the two countries are on the same page regarding all major issues ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara.
THE STRONGEST BOND: PEOPLE
Emphasising that people-to-people ties form the strongest bond between the two nations, Gümrükçü noted that 4.5 million British tourists visited Türkiye last year and that the United Kingdom remains one of the most popular destinations for Turkish students pursuing higher education. He described this as “the best investment in the future of our relationship.”
MAY THE WORLD CUP FINAL BE ENGLAND VS TÜRKİYE
Drawing attention to the fact that the United Kingdom’s National Day coincided with the opening day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Gümrükçü said, “The World Cup begins on the national day of the country that invented football; the country that will perfect it is Türkiye. Perhaps this is a sign that the final will be played between England and Türkiye.”
At the reception, musicians and dancers from the Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory performed for guests, while a special performance by West End star Christine Allado, known for her role in the musical “Hamilton,” brought the atmosphere of London’s West End to the “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” themed evening.
