EU Minister Bagis meets British Sec. of State for Foreign Affairs Hague

LONDON (A.A) - Turkish Minister for European Union (EU) Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis on Thursday met with the British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Jefferson Hague and Deputy Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of the European Union David Lidington in London. Bagis's meeting at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office took place behind closed doors. Egemen Bagis later attended a working meal hosted by Lidington in his honor. Minister Bagis is expected to meet the Chairman of the EU Commission at the House of Commons William Cash and the Chairman of the EU Commission at the House of Lords John Roper later on Thursday. Bagis will attend a round table discussion at the British think-tank of Chatham House on Thursday. -Message of support from Lidington- Meanwhile, prior to meeting Bagis, David Lidington spoke to the AA. I was shocked to learn about the bomb blast in Istanbul on Thursday morning. My heart is with those injured and their family members. The British government stands by its Turkish friends and is ready to extend any necessary assistance, Lidington said.