[Austria] Message to Türkiye

[Merzia]

Encrypted & Classified​

Staat Österreich
Ministerium für Internationale Angelegenheiten​

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To: Office of the Foreign Minister, Türkiye Jay

From: Ambassador Franziska Mertl, State of Austria

Subject: Strengthening Austro-Turkish Relations

Dear Foreign Minister,

On behalf of the State of Austria, I would like to extend my warm greetings to your government and the peoples of Türkiye. Vienna would like to reaffirm our commitment to constructive dialogue, regional stability, and mutually beneficial cooperation between our two nations.

Austria and Türkiye share a long and consequential history stretching across centuries. While our historical relationship has at times been shaped by rivalry and geopolitical contestation, the modern era has transformed this legacy into one of engagement, economic partnership, and growing social interconnectedness. Today, our nations are bound not only by diplomacy and trade, but also by the deep social ties created through the substantial Turkish community residing within Austria, which contributes significantly to Austrian society, culture, and economic life.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your grand achievement of the 2008 Olympics.

Vienna recognises Türkiye’s strategic importance as a bridge between Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, and acknowledges Ankara’s growing role in regional security, energy transit, migration management, and international commerce.

In this spirit, I would like to propose a meeting with yourself to discuss further avenues of Austrian-Turkish cooperation, specifically concerning:

• The expansion of bilateral trade and investment opportunities;
• Improved frameworks for the lawful movement of peoples, tourism, labour mobility, and educational exchange;
• Enhanced cooperation on counterterrorism, organised crime prevention, border security, and migration management;
• Greater strategic dialogue regarding regional stability, European security, energy resilience, and emerging geopolitical developments.

We believe that through dialogue and cooperation, both our nations can continue to build a stable and forward-looking partnership that reflects our shared interests and the close connections between our peoples.

We would be grateful for your consideration of this proposal and I look forward to our partnership.

Sincerely,

Franziska Mertl
Ambassador to Türkiye
State of Austria

 

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA​

[Recipient]: Embassy of the State of Austria < Merzia > [Sender]: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Türkiye < SÇBoz@db.tr.gov > [Subject]: Confidential //

Dear Ambassador Mertl, On behalf of the Republic of Türkiye, I extend my sincere gratitude for your thoughtful letter and for the warm congratulations conveyed by the Government of Austria regarding the successful hosting of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Istanbul. The Games represented not only a proud achievement for Türkiye, but also an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to international cooperation, openness, and dialogue between cultures and nations. While history has at times placed our nations on opposing sides of geopolitical struggles, the modern relationship between Ankara and Vienna has evolved into one founded upon economic partnership, diplomatic engagement, and deep human connections between our peoples. In particular, Türkiye values the contributions of the Turkish community in Austria, which continues to serve as a living bridge between our societies. We appreciate Austria’s recognition of this community and its important role within Austrian public life, commerce, and culture. Türkiye also welcomes Austria’s increasing engagement in international affairs and recognises Vienna’s growing influence as a constructive diplomatic actor within Europe and beyond. At a time of shifting geopolitical realities and growing regional uncertainty, we believe there is significant opportunity for our governments to deepen strategic cooperation in ways that serve the long-term stability and prosperity of both our nations. I fully share your view that closer dialogue on trade, investment, energy security, tourism, education, and regional stability would prove mutually beneficial. Türkiye would particularly welcome expanded Austrian participation in infrastructure development, industrial investment, and transport cooperation connecting Europe with the Eastern Mediterranean, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Furthermore, Türkiye believes enhanced coordination in matters of counterterrorism and organised crime prevention remains essential. In this regard, we hope Austria will continue strengthening efforts against the financing, recruitment, and logistical activities of the PKK and affiliated Kurdish extremist networks operating within Europe. Türkiye views such cooperation not only as a matter of bilateral security, but as an important contribution to broader European stability and public safety. I also agree that our governments should work toward more effective frameworks concerning lawful migration, labour mobility, educational exchange, and cultural engagement. Greater interaction between our peoples will further strengthen the foundation of trust and understanding that already exists between Türkiye and Austria. With these objectives in mind, I would be pleased to meet with you in Ankara at a mutually convenient date early in the new year. I believe such discussions could lay the groundwork for a broader Austrian–Turkish Strategic Cooperation Initiative encompassing trade, security coordination, cultural exchange, and regional dialogue. Please accept, Ambassador, the assurances of my highest consideration. I look forward to the continued strengthening of relations between our two countries and to a future partnership marked by mutual respect, shared prosperity, and close cooperation. Regards, Sümeyye Boz Minister of Foreign Affairs Türkiye

 

[Merzia]

Encrypted & Classified​

Staat Österreich
Ministerium für Internationale Angelegenheiten​

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To: Office of the Foreign Minister, Türkiye Jay

From: Ambassador Franziska Mertl, State of Austria

Subject: Strengthening Austro-Turkish Relations

Dear Minister Sümeyye Boz,

I thank you for your constructive and forward-looking response and warmly welcoming the shared commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.

We are glad to hear that Türkiye is open to exploring avenues of further cooperation within the proposed fields.

I will remain ready to meet with yourself at the Foreign Ministry at your earliest convenience with a view to advancing a structured and forward-looking bilateral agenda.

Sincerely,

Franziska Mertl
Ambassador to Türkiye
State of Austria

 

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA​

[Recipient]: Embassy of the State of Austria < Merzia > [Sender]: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Türkiye < SÇBoz@db.tr.gov > [Subject]: Confidential //

Dear Ambassador Mertl, Thank you for your letter and for your continued commitment to strengthening the relationship between the Republic of Türkiye and the Republic of Austria. I am pleased to inform you that, following consultations within the Ministry, you are warmly invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for discussions with Mr. Tackin Batur, Secretary of State for European Affairs. We believe this meeting will provide a valuable opportunity to exchange views on areas of mutual interest and to further advance our shared objective of developing a structured, forward-looking bilateral agenda. To facilitate preparations, we would appreciate receiving your proposed agenda and any priority topics you wish to address during the meeting. This will enable both sides to ensure a productive and substantive exchange. We look forward to welcoming you to the Ministry and to engaging in constructive discussions that further strengthen the longstanding ties between our two countries. Regards, Sümeyye Boz Minister of Foreign Affairs Türkiye

Franziska's vehicle drove through Mevlana Boulevard before turning into the Foreign Ministry. As her vehicle turned into the Ministry building at the front doors, a protocol official was already waiting for her. When Franziska stepped out of the black sedan, the official stepped forward and extended her hand.

"Ambassador Mertl," she said with a smile. "Welcome to the Ministry. Secretary of State Tackin Batur is waiting for you upstairs."

The official led Franziska through the Ministry building before bringing her to the conference room, where Franziska could see Tackin. The official politely introduced Tackin, the Secretary for European Affairs, and two civil servants before leaving the Ambassador with them.

"Ambassador Mertl, welcome," Tackin said, extending his hand. "Please." Tackin said, gesturing to the seat before asking, "can we get you any water or tea before we start?"