Turkish president Gul in UK visit

The President of Turkey, Abdullah Gul, is to arrive in London as he prepares for a three-day state visit to Britain.The Turkish head of state has a hectic schedule of ceremonial events, public engagements and political talks over the coming days as Britain forges closer links with the country.

Geographically the republic straddles both the East and West and is seen as an important ally in the fight against terrorism and the spread of Muslim extremists. It is also a potential peace broker in the ongoing unrest in Syria, which is seen as rapidly descending into civil war.Prime Minister David Cameron will hold talks with Mr Gul later this week.

Syria is likely to be high on the agenda as is Turkey's application for European Union membership, and trade between the two countries.Britain has been a strong supporter of Turkey's desire to join the EU.

The country has been knocking at the EU's door for more than 40 years, but it only became an official candidate in 1999 with formal accession negotiations following six years later.Turkey would be the first secular nation with a majority Muslim population in the EU club, but its failure to normalise relations with the republic of Cyprus has blocked progress in the accession talks.

The Queen made a state visit to the republic in May 2008, less than six months after the Prince of Wales toured the country. The two royal trips highlighted the importance of Britain's relationship with the country.