The Prime Minister of Britain, David Cameron, was in Ankara earlier this week, along with Foreign Secretary William Hague.

Mr Cameron made a key note speech at the TOBB headquarters (The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey), which began as follows:

"I’ve come to Ankara today to establish a new partnership between Britain and Turkey. I think this is a vital strategic relationship for our country."

The full transcript of Mr Cameron's speech can be found by clicking the following link: Cameron Speech in Ankara July 2010

It is clear from reading his speech, that he understands the importance of being a friend of Turkey.

Turkey is the 16th largest economy in the world, and it is on track to be the second largest economy in Europe by 2050. It has a relatively young population, who are benefiting from ever improving standards of education, providing a smart workforce.

And from a political and security perspective, its strategic location between east and west means that Turkey's influence in the world is assured, and likely to grow.

With so many important things to talk about, perhaps Turkish and British diplomats thought it was better to reach an agreement to suspend the controversial changes, taking the matter off the planned agenda.

Photograph source: 10 Downing Street Flickr website. Crown copyright acknowledged.