Diplomatic Cable | IOC

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

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

[Recipient]: John Coates, International Olympic Committee < Owen > [Sender]: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Türkiye < SBÇakıMOFA@tr.gov > [Subject]: Confidential // Diplomatic Relations

Dear Mr. President, On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Türkiye, I am honored to convey our formal interest in bidding to host the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in the summer of 2008. Türkiye believes it is uniquely positioned to offer the Olympic Movement a host city and nation that embodies the ideals of unity, diversity, and global friendship. Situated at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, our country has for millennia been a crossroads of civilizations, a place where cultures, faiths, and peoples have converged. We see the Olympic Games not only as a celebration of athletic excellence, but as a bridge between continents, fostering understanding and cooperation in a region of vital importance to the world. We are aware that questions may arise regarding the potential impact of our current economic situation. Let me assure you that the Government of Türkiye is fully prepared to address any such concerns with transparency, detailed planning, and necessary guarantees. We are committed to working closely with the International Olympic Committee to ensure that the Games will be delivered to the highest standards of excellence, sustainability, and responsibility. Our seriousness in this endeavor cannot be overstated. We believe that hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics in Türkiye would not only be a triumph for sport, but also a catalyst for regional peace and prosperity, an opportunity to bring the world back to the cradle of civilization, where the spirit of human achievement has deep roots. In addition to our bid, Türkiye wishes to submit the nomination of Ms. Merve Çoban for the position of Vice President within the IOC. Ms. Çoban’s distinguished record in sports administration, her dedication to the Olympic values, and her vision for expanding the reach of the Games make her an ideal candidate to contribute to the leadership of the Olympic Movement. We look forward to engaging with you and your colleagues in the months ahead, and to demonstrating that Türkiye can offer the world an Olympic Games worthy of history and of the future. Please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration. Regards, Sümeyye Boz Minister of Foreign Affairs Türkiye'

 

[Owen]

​

PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE​

15 April 2007

Dear Minister Boz, Whilst we appreciate your interest in bidding to host the 2008 Summer Olympics, frankly there is not enough global interest to have the Olympics be hosted. We have not had a successful games since 2000 in Sydney. None have been awarded since. Currently only Turkey and Australia (with Norfolk Island as an affiliate) are members of the International Olympic Committee and I am the only member of the executive board. We need a lot more members of the IOC and a full complement of the board in order to move forward with competitive bids for games. If you or the Turkish Government could garner more international interest in the Olympics, then perhaps we could move forward with it. I will see what the Australian Government can do, but I think they have other priorities. Yours sincerely, John Coates.

Level 4, 140 George Street, Museum of Contemporary Art, SYDNEY, NSW 2000 Telephone: (02) 9247 2000​

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]: John Coates, International Olympic Committee < Owen > [Sender]: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Türkiye < SBÇakıMOFA@tr.gov > [Subject]: Confidential // Diplomatic Relations

Dear Mr. President, Thank you for your candid response regarding Türkiye’s interest in hosting the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. We fully understand the challenges you outlined, particularly the current limitations in IOC membership and executive capacity. However, we respectfully submit that one proactive measure to address this very issue is the formal announcement of Türkiye’s bid. By initiating the process and opening the door to international participation, we believe the IOC can catalyze renewed global interest in the Olympic Movement. A declared bid, especially one rooted in a compelling vision of peace, prosperity, and cultural unity, can serve as a rallying point for other nations to reengage. Türkiye is confident that if entrusted with hosting the Games, the outcomes would inspire others. The benefits, infrastructural, diplomatic, and symbolic, would be immense, not only for our region but for the Olympic ideal itself. With half a decade passing since the 2000 Olympics, it is our belief that this is the correct course of action to revitalize that spirit. We also wish to emphasize that while national governments play a supporting role, it is the International Olympic Committee that must lead this effort. The credibility and continuity of the Olympic Games depend on the IOC’s initiative and independence. We therefore urge the Committee to begin formalizing Türkiye’s bid, irrespective of the current climate, and to treat this moment as an opportunity to reinvigorate the Olympic spirit. Türkiye remains committed to working with you and your colleagues to advance this vision. We stand ready to assist in expanding IOC membership and to support the institutional steps necessary to move forward. Please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration. Regards, Sümeyye Boz Minister of Foreign Affairs Türkiye'