Diplomatic Cable < Egypt >

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

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

[Recipient]: Abdalla Bazzi, Director of Finances and Procurement < Kelly the Mad > [Sender]: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Türkiye <embassy.cairo@mfa.gov.tr > [Subject]: Confidential Voronezh Radar Site

Dear Director Bazzi, The Turkish Government is happy to receive the tender for two Voronezh Radar systems. These long-range early warning radars will offer much needed capabilities for the Sultnates Armed Forces. The Turkish Government, prior to sending the systems to Egypt, would like to inquire the possibility of Turkish airmen being deployed to Eygpt to initially help train and support Egyptian forces in learning the system. In the long-term, we believe it would be a good opportunity for Turkish and Egyptian forces to jointly-man the system which would pave the way for future air defense warning systems being sent to Egypt. Regards, Ambassador Yaşar Yakış 10 El Aziz Othman Street, Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt Phone: +20 2 279 784 00 Fax: +20 2 279 784 77 (General)

 

[Kelly the Mad]

​

---

---

​

To: Yaşar Yakış, Ambassador ( Jay )
From: Abdalla Bazzi, Director of Finances and Procurement
CC: Muhammed Assaf, Chief of National Security; Zero Jabour, Chief of International Affairs

Subject: RE: Confidential Voronezh Radar Site

Security Clearance: Government; Restricted

​

---

Ambassador,

Unfortunately, after discussing with my counterparts in international affairs and national security, we have come to the conclusion that inviting foreign military personnel into Egypt is not in our nation's best interest at this time. Please understand, this is not to do with your government or our perception of your intentions, but rather part of our move to improve the independence of our military from foreign powers.

We are similarly moving towards removing other foreign military personnel from our territory, so please understand that this has nothing to do with your nation. However, if Turkey is serious about pursuing a military relationship, including future sales, we would be willing to send a small military liaison to discuss strategy and the current posture of our militaries.

Best,
Abdalla Bazzi
Director of Finances and Procurement
Sultanate of Egypt and the Sudan

---

 

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

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

[Recipient]: Abdalla Bazzi, Director of Finances and Procurement < Kelly the Mad > [Sender]: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Türkiye <embassy.cairo@mfa.gov.tr > [Subject]: Confidential Voronezh Radar Site

Dear Director Bazzi, Thank you for your message regarding Egypt’s current defense posture and your government’s direction concerning foreign military presence. While the People's Republic of Türkiye is disappointed by the decision not to move forward with the joint mission at the facility, we fully respect Egypt’s decision to determine the path of its military independence and security priorities. In light of this, and in the spirit of continued cooperation, Türkiye would like to propose a bilateral data-sharing agreement centered on the facility’s activities. We believe such an arrangement would be a constructive and mutually beneficial alternative to a physical presence, and could serve as a first step in expanding our military coordination and transparency. To explore this further, we would be pleased to host a small Egyptian military delegation in Ankara. The purpose of this visit would be to discuss the framework and logistics of such an agreement, as well as to begin broader conversations on potential areas for defense collaboration, including future procurement discussions. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on this proposal and remain committed to strengthening our defense relationship in a way that respects both nations’ principles and interests. Regards, Ambassador Yaşar Yakış 10 El Aziz Othman Street, Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt Phone: +20 2 279 784 00 Fax: +20 2 279 784 77 (General)

 

[Kelly the Mad]

​

---

---

​

To: Yaşar Yakış, Ambassador ( Jay )
From: Abdalla Bazzi, Director of Finances and Procurement
CC: Muhammed Assaf, Chief of National Security; Zero Jabour, Chief of International Affairs

Subject: RE: Confidential Voronezh Radar Site

Security Clearance: Government; Restricted

​

---

Ambassador,

Thank you for this kind invitation. A small military delegation will be making its way to Ankara shortly to discuss this data-sharing agreement, as well as other relevant subjects.

Best,
Abdalla Bazzi
Director of Finances and Procurement
Sultanate of Egypt and the Sudan

---

Shortly after the email was sent, a small group of high-ranking military men would be assembled to be sent to Ankara. Kamuzu Haik, General of the Air Force in charge of all strategic airlift units, would lead the delegation. With him, Colonel Haisam Baba of the 16th Armored Regiment and Colonel Ali Kalb of the 69th Infantry Regiment would provide support. An assortment of Junior officers and administrative personnel would fill out the delegation to 26 men strong.

A small, privately chartered jet would take the men to Ankara, where they would step out onto the tarmac in the blazing midday heat, the brass on their uniforms shining for anyone to see. For a proper occasion such as this, dress uniforms were worn, and all men held themselves upright for any Turks they would meet. Stepping quickly into the shade of a terminal, they would await some Turkish counterparts to take them to the best meeting spot.

 

[Kelly the Mad]

Jay

 

[Jay]

On the tarmac, Colonel Haluk Erdem, a tall Turkish man in a dark green uniform cut with the sharp yellow sashel, stepped forward. Beside him stood General Akın Öztürk, Commander of Turkish Air Defense Command in his dark blue uniform. His eyes were tucked behind sunglasses that covered his face.

“Ahlan wa Sahlan ila Ankara,” Colonel Erdem said, extending a hand as General Haik and Colonel Baba descended the stairs. “Welcome to Ankara, we appreciate you making the time.” Haluk said as he turned to the man next to him. "May I introduce General Akın Öztürk, the Commander of the Turkish Air Defense Command."

Akın gave a simple nod and extended his hand to General Haik, a man of equal rank, and welcomed him and the Colonel. "I look forward to our discussions, gentlemen. I hope that these radar systems will be put to good use, and that we may learn from the strike earlier this year and the deficiencies that led to it."

A discreet diplomatic detachment waited near a makeshift immigration station inside a military hangar. There, amidst the faint echo of jet engines and radio static, the Egyptian team was processed swiftly. Visas were stamped with M1 classification, diplomatic-military engagement, and passports handed back as their bags, if present, were screened and placed onto the back of three matte-black Land Rover Defenders, laced with Turkish military license plates and mounted radio antennae.

The convoy rolled through Ankara in a secure corridor, escorted by two police motorcycles. The streets outside were filled with slogans, faded banners, and newer posters as protesters took to the streets weekly to protest the regime. But as the vehicles crossed into the fortified General Staff Headquarters compound, the mood shifted.

Here, there were no posters. No slogans. General Öztürk and Colonel Erdem exited the vehicle as a Turkish guard opened the door for the Egyptian delegation. Inside, the marble lobby was cool as the A/C powered throughout the building. Portraits of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk lined the halls, along with the faces of past and current defense staff chiefs.

“General Haik,” Öztürk said, walking inside with him, as Colonel Erdem led them through the guest wing of the Staff Headquarters into a SCIFF meeting room. “We have a briefing room ready. Our office for international cooperation has been coordinating this sale, and I am disappointed that we are unable to have Turkish officers stationed in Egypt to work together." Öztürk said as they took a turn. "I do believe that following the strike on your country's naval port, that not only vigilance but enhanced cooperation is needed to maintain the safety of the Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. I do wish to take this time to urge you to try and convince your government of the benefits of Turkish and Egyptian soldiers working together both on land and in the sea." He extended his hand into the doorway of the SCIFF room. “Please, after you.” He said to allow the Egyptian officers inside.

Colonel Fikret Demir, Strategic Policy Liaison from the Ministry of National Defense, and a delegation of other junior officers of the Defense Staff were already seated in the SCIFF as the Egyptians took their seats across from the Turks.

Now, with a level of formality, General Öztürk looked at the Egyptians as he folded his hands. "General Haik, thank you for making the visit to Ankara. As well as to your delegation. We hope in these conversations to not just share our knowledge on the Voronezh Radar System, which, alongside two other long-range systems, makes up the Early Warning and Air Defense Network Systems for our nation's defense, but to learn from you as well. The current global security environment shows us the need for enhanced cooperation amongst states to meet the transnational threats we face."

General Öztürk moved his hands to grab the pen in front of him. "I look forward to hearing the information you've collected following the missile strike on our nation's seaport and how we can cooperate to help Egypt not just defend herself but truly to live up to the name the Guardian of North Africa."

Kelly the Mad

 

[Kelly the Mad]

Going through the typical motions of a diplomatic visit, the delegation would submit their few personal belongings to inspection, withholding a few manila envelopes of sensitive information from the Turkish security on diplomatic grounds. Riding through Ankara, they took special note of the tone shift from a new, revolutionary society into a military zone that was still clearly obsessed with a long-discarded past. Stepping into the SCIFF room, the delegation would make themselves comfortable, with the most junior aids finding a place to stand along the walls.

After finding a comfortable way to sit in his chair, General Haik sized up the Turkish delegation and began. "General, we thank you very much for hosting us. I understand your disappointment in our unwillingness to invite a unit into Egypt; however, you must understand that we are actively working towards reinforcing our military's independence from foreign investment and operations. This is broader than our radar deal with Turkey, but rather impacts our dealings with all foreign powers in the matter of defense. That being said, while we are enforcing our territorial integrity, that does not prevent us from being willing and able to cooperate by air, land, and sea-- both in the sharing of information and joint patrols and exercises."

Adjusting his uniform and signalling one of the aids for a glass of water, Haik continued, mimicking Ozturk's new, formal tone. "I agree fully; the extant threats to our national security are growing by the day and dominated by a few individual countries. Our strongest weapon to combat these threats is, of course, cooperation, which is why we hope that you will see the merits of the Egyptian Interdiction Zone. The more regional partners we have endorsing and enforcing the EIZ, the more powerful Northern and Eastern Africa and the Middle East become on the world stage, cementing our military and financial independence.

"As for the missile strikes on Berenice... Unfortunately, due to administrative muddling and financial strains, the investigation into the origin of missile debris was discontinued and remains in storage, untouched since it was first collected. We do, however, consider there to be very few potential culprits. Reasonably, we have excluded all Mediterranean nations from our list of suspects, considering that they would have to navigate fully around Africa to be in a position to strike us undetected. There are only two nations in Africa or Asia that have shown expressly hostile attitudes towards Egypt: Thailand and Ethiopia. The Thai-Egyptian feud is well known the world over, and Ethiopia has built infrastructure harmful to Egyptian commerce and life. Other potential culprits are India, Australia, and Sweden via their South African base; however, these are unlikely. So we remain, as before, uncertain."

Jay