Diplomatic Cable | France

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

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

[Recipient]: Office of the Prime Minister, France < Dutchy > [Sender]: Office of the Prime Minister, Türkiye <BaşbakanlıkOfisi@tr.gov > [Subject]: Confidential // Letter of Salutations

Your Excellency, On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Türkiye, I extend to you our warmest congratulations upon the restoration of democracy in France and your assumption of office. The reawakening of France’s republican spirit marks not only a historic renewal for your nation, but also a moment of hope for Europe and the world. Türkiye has long held that France, with its deep traditions of liberty, equality, and fraternity, carries a unique responsibility in serving as both arsenal and bedrock of democracy for our continent. At a time when Europe faces mounting trials from the lingering effect of the crisis in Italy, the conflict between Romania and Moldova, and the broader currents of instability across the globe, we must together summon the strength to ensure Europe’s independence, stability, and peace. Only through such resolve can we enable the prosperity our citizens demand and deserve. Our two nations share a bond forged in sacrifice and renewal. Türkiye, in shaking off totalitarian communist rule, and France, in its overthrow of a despotic monarchy, each reclaimed the democratic inheritance of our peoples. This kinship of struggle endows us with a special duty to lead, to rebuild our continent, and to safeguard the seas that unite rather than divide us. As my government undertakes the arduous task of overcoming economic crisis, we remain committed to fostering a community of nations dedicated to the preservation of Europe’s stability and growth. Within this vision, we see France as a vital partner with whom we must restore the historical ties that once bound us so closely. Moreover, we look toward the Mediterranean, where Türkiye, France, Spain, and Egypt together can lay the foundation for a community of freedom in movement, capital, and services. Such a partnership would unlock untold potential, opening an era of shared prosperity and peace for our peoples. I extend to you and to your government my sincere wishes for success in the noble task before you. It would be my honor to welcome you to Ankara at your earliest convenience, for a working visit that may begin the path toward a renewed and enduring partnership between France and Türkiye. With the assurances of my highest consideration, Kindest regards, Ayşe Çiller Prime Minister Türkiye

 

[Dutchy]

HÔTEL MATIGNON
BUREAU DU PREMIER MINISTRE​

PRIVATE

Ayşe Çiller
Prime Minister
Republic of Türkiye

Paris, March 2007​

Your Excellency, Madam Prime Minister,

On behalf of President Valérian, the Government and people of France, I warmly thank you for your gracious message of congratulations.

France deeply appreciates Türkiye’s words of solidarity at this critical juncture for our nation. Like Türkiye, we have endured the weight of authoritarian rule, and like Türkiye, we have reclaimed the democratic spirit of our people through determination. This kinship binds our two nations in a common responsibility to promote democracy, liberty and equality. France shares Türkiye’s conviction that it falls to us, as partners, to help shape a Europe defined by peace, sovereignty, and shared prosperity.

On that note, your vision for greater cooperation across the Mediterranean is one that France welcomes with interest. The idea of fostering deeper ties policy areas which are mutually beneficial holds great promise. Such an initiative could indeed serve as a foundation for renewed peace and prosperity in the region.

Therefore, I accept with gratitude your kind invitation to Ankara and would be honoured to engage in a working visit at the earliest opportunity. I shall have my office communicate the date and travel arrangements.

May our reborn republics stand as a testament to the enduring strength of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Nathalie Lyon
Prime Minister​

Digital Diplomatic Correspondence​

Jay

 

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

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

[Recipient]: Office of the Prime Minister, France < Dutchy > [Sender]: Office of the Prime Minister, Türkiye <BaşbakanlıkOfisi@tr.gov > [Subject]: Confidential // Letter of Salutations

Your Excellency, Madame Prime Minister, I extend my sincere gratitude for your gracious letter. It is with great pleasure that we welcome your decision to undertake a working visit to Ankara, which we regard as a significant opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations. Türkiye is eager to enhance bilateral ties with France, guided by our shared commitment to democracy, liberty, and sovereignty. Your forthcoming visit offers a valuable occasion to begin preliminary discussions on several areas of mutual interest, including the establishment of the League of Mediterranean States, the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement, the deepening of security cooperation, and the initiation of joint maritime patrols across the Mediterranean. We are confident that through these steps, Türkiye and France can chart a new course of collaboration that contributes to the stability and prosperity of our region, while also serving as an example of the enduring strength of our shared values. With the assurances of my highest consideration, Kindest regards, Ayşe Çiller Prime Minister Türkiye

SECURED & ENCRYPTED ATTACHMENT ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA Proposed Agenda for Working Visit of H.E. Ms. Lyon​

Day 1 – Arrival and Opening Engagements (Ankara) Arrival at Esenboğa Airport – Received by senior Turkish officials. Courtesy Meeting at the Prime Ministry – Initial private conversation between the two prime ministers. Working Session I: League of Mediterranean States League of Mediterranean States – initial framework and guiding principles. Trade & Economic Zone Free Movement Security Cooperation Structure Bilateral cooperation priorities for Europe and the Mediterranean. Working Session II: Political Dialogue Situation in Italy & rise of a communist government Cultural Event: Evening visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Private Dinner – Small, informal dinner with Turkish and French delegations. Day 2 – Core Working Sessions (Ankara) Working Session III: Economic & Trade Cooperation Launch of exploratory talks toward a Free Trade Agreement. Expanding bilateral trade, industrial collaboration, and investment opportunities. Working Lunch with Ministers of Trade and Finance. Working Session IV: Security & Defense Counterterrorism and intelligence-sharing. Proposal for joint maritime patrols in the Mediterranean. Defense industry cooperation. Dinner at the Prime Minister’s Residence (Çankaya Mansion) Formal meal hosted by Prime Minister Çiller in honor of Prime Minister Lyon. Remarks by both leaders; emphasis on partnership and Mediterranean cooperation. Day 3 – Broader Engagement and Departure (Ankara & Cultural Program) Business Roundtable – Meeting with select Turkish and French business leaders to explore trade and investment. Visit to Middle East Technical University (METU) – Symbolic engagement with students and academics; discussion of educational exchanges and scientific cooperation. Cultural Visit: Guided tour of Cappadocia (optional half-day excursion, depending on scheduling), highlighting Türkiye’s cultural richness and shared heritage of the Mediterranean world. Closing Session & Joint Statement – Review of discussions, agreement to establish working groups on trade, security, and Mediterranean cooperation. Departure Ceremony – farewell at Esenboğa Airport.

 

[Dutchy]

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From: Private Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic, France
To: Office of the Prime Minister, Türkiye
Date: April 2007
Subject: Proposed Agenda for Working Visit of H.E. Ms. Lyon
Security: Standard encryption (TLS)

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To whom it may concern,

The Prime Minister wishes to extend her sincere appreciation for Ms. Çiller’s most recent letter and has carefully reviewed the proposed agenda for the forthcoming working visit. Prime Minister Lyon has instructed me to liaise with your office in order to coordinate the final details of the agenda.

For ease of reference, please find below the composition of the French delegation, as well as suggested amendments to the proposed schedule:

French delegation:

• Nathalie Lyon, Prime Minister
• Benjamin Gaillard, State Secretary for Foreign Trade
• Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of France in Ankara
• Defence Attaché, Embassy of France in Ankara

Suggested amendments to the schedule;

• Removal of exploratory talks on a Free Trade Agreement. Prime Minister believes it premature to open discussions on a comprehensive free trade agreement at this stage, given that the foundations of the bilateral relationship between our governments must first be established.
• Adjustment of the level of discussion during the working lunch. As the French delegation will include the State Secretary for Foreign Trade.
• Modification of the third day’s activities. It is suggested that the activities planned for Day 3 be struck, with the issuance of the joint statement moved forward to the conclusion of Day 2.

The Prime Minister greatly values the constructive spirit with which this programme is being developed and looks forward to a fruitful exchange with Ms. Çiller and her colleagues, laying the groundwork for a deeper and more structured partnership between France and Türkiye

With regard to travel arrangements, the French delegation will make use of a French Air and Space Forces Dassault Falcon 7X for the flight. On board will be the Prime Minister and the State Secretary for Foreign Trade, accompanied by their respective political aides and two officers of the Protection Service.

The Chargé d’Affaires and the Defence Attaché will be present at the airport to receive the delegation and, we hope, may be included as part of the official reception party.

We would kindly request that your government provide us with details of the proposed accommodations and additional security measures to be put in place for the visit. In particular, we ask for the necessary authorisation for the French protection officers to carry their sidearms while accompanying the Prime Minister during her stay.

Yours sincerely,

Isabelle Gautier
Secretary-General
Office of the Prime Minister
Sixth French Republic

This email and any accompanying documents are intended exclusively for the designated recipient(s) and may contain information that is confidential, proprietary, or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, please inform the sender immediately and permanently delete this message from your system. Any unauthorized access, reproduction, distribution, or use of this communication is strictly prohibited.

Jay

 

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

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

[Recipient]: Office of the Prime Minister, France < Dutchy > [Sender]: Office of the Prime Minister, Türkiye <BaşbakanlıkOfisi@tr.gov > [Subject]: Confidential // Letter of Salutations

Dear Ms. Gautier, The Office of Her Excellency the Prime Minister has received your proposed changes to the agenda for the planned working visit. We welcome the inclusion of the members of the French Embassy in Ankara and the Secretary of State for Foreign Trade. The changes have been made accordingly to the guest list and the agenda. Regarding the proposal to remove exploratory talks, it is our belief that exploratory talks are not harmful, irrespective of the stage of our bilateral relations. From our perspective, the exploratory talks would include: An overview of the current trade and economic relationship An overview of the important segments of both our economies A roadmap of the next steps necessary to allow formal talks to begin; including political, economic, and social conditions Even if it is a modest conversation, the Prime Minister would like to demonstrate our intention to work towards a trade agreement with France. In the interest of brevity, given the desire to shorten the trip to a two-day working visit, Her Excellency the Prime Minister has proposed cancelling the formal dinner and instead ending the working visit after the joint statement. The Prime Minister is instead willing to host the Prime Minister for light refreshments before she departs after the joint statement is issued. Her Excellency shares Ms. Lyon's enthusiasm and hopes that constructive dialogues will help bring forward the potential for long-lasting and capable Turkish-French relations. Accompanying this email will be an email from the Turkish Foreign Dignitary Security Unit regarding accommodations and security arrangements. Lastly, please find the changes made in the attached updated agenda. With the assurances of my highest consideration, Regards, Can Yaman Chief Secretary for the Prime Minister Türkiye

SECURED & ENCRYPTED ATTACHMENT ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA UPDATED AGENDA WORKING VISIT​

Day 1 – Arrival and Opening Engagements (Ankara) Arrival at Esenboğa Airport – Received by senior Turkish officials. Courtesy Meeting at the Prime Ministry – Initial private conversation between the two prime ministers. Working Session I: League of Mediterranean States League of Mediterranean States – initial framework and guiding principles. Trade & Economic Zone Free Movement Security Cooperation Structure Bilateral cooperation priorities for Europe and the Mediterranean. Working Session II: Political Dialogue Situation in Italy & rise of a communist government Cultural Event: Evening visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Private Dinner – Small, informal dinner with Turkish and French delegations. Day 2 – Core Working Sessions (Ankara) Working Session III: Economic & Trade Cooperation Discussing the framework for bilateral trade, industrial collaboration, and investment opportunities. Working Lunch with Ministers of Trade. Working Session IV: Security & Defense Counterterrorism and intelligence-sharing. Proposal for joint maritime patrols in the Mediterranean. Closing Session & Joint Statement – Review of discussions, agreement to establish working groups on trade, security, and Mediterranean cooperation. Departure with a light reception at the Prime Minister’s Residence

 

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

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

[Recipient]: Office of the Prime Minister, France < Dutchy > [Sender]: Turkish National Police <ParlamenterveDiplomatikKoruma@pol.tr.gov >[Subject]: Confidential // Security and Accommodation Arrangements for the Visit of Ms. Lyon

Dear Ms. Gautier, I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your communication regarding the forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister of the French Republic, H.E. Nathalie Lyon, and her accompanying delegation. We extend our utmost consideration to the distinguished visitors and assure you that the Turkish National Police, in coordination with the relevant state authorities, is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of the delegation throughout their stay in the Republic of Türkiye. With regard to accommodation, two options have been prepared in consultation with the Presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Çankaya Palace – Arrangements have been made for lodging within the Çankaya Palace compound. This option provides the highest degree of security, as the premises are under the constant protection of the Police Office and Gendarmerie units. Exclusive quarters within the Palace will be reserved for the Prime Minister and her delegation, ensuring both discretion and safety. Vivaldi Park Hotel – As an alternative, the delegation may be lodged at the Vivaldi Park Hotel. In this case, security will be provided by the Turkish National Police, with measures in place for both exterior and interior protection of the hotel. In accordance with standard protocol, the French Protection Service officers will be granted responsibility for floor-level security in direct proximity to the Prime Minister. Regarding your request for authorisation for the French Protection Service officers to carry sidearms during the visit, we confirm that, subject to standard formalities and registration with the Ministry of Interior, such authorisation will be granted for the two designated officers. Within the Çankaya Palace, outside of the lodging quarters, the Protection Service officers will be required to store their weapons inside secured safes. Please be assured that the Turkish National Police and of its professionalism. Our intention is to provide security arrangements commensurate with the high dignity of the Prime Minister’s office, while maintaining the efficiency and discretion required for the visit. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Respectfully, Erdener Acar Director-General Foreign Dignitary Security Unit Turkish National Police