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<p>We regularly raise the issue of religious freedom in bilateral discussions with
the Turkish government. In early January 2015, Her Majesty´s Ambassador to Turkey
met with the Head of the Diyanet (Presidency of Religious Affairs in Turkey) to discuss
religious freedom. In 2014, we organised a round table with religious groups in Istanbul
with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Our embassy in Ankara has regular meetings with
religious groups and civil society to discuss strengthening freedom of religion in
Turkey. The 2014 European Commission Annual Progress report on Turkey noted the need
for comprehensive reform of legislation on freedom of thought, conscience and religion,
and application of this legislation, in line with European Court of Human Rights rulings,
Council of Europe recommendations and EU standards. We support this assessment and
will continue to work closely with Turkey, EU Member States, and with the European
institutions, to encourage further reforms, including on religious freedom, that will
continue to underpin Turkey’s accession process.</p>
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