Union for the Mediterranean Summit I | Nueva Antequera, España
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Nueva Antequera, España
22nd January 2021Since the Union for the Mediterranean project was announced, the second capital city of the Kingdom of Spain and the first city ever to host a summit of this new endeavour between Inquista, Gania and Spain had been preparing for this very exact day. All day and night long, workers made the hugest efforts they could to have everything on point for the first of many chances to show the European Union and everyone around it that the Mediterranean opened a new chapter of its long book. Not many could have thought this would be possible, but the representation of the unity the Mediterranean was taking place that day.
Today, the Spanish delegation would not be led by the regionwide known President of Spain, Jesús Aguilar, but rather his Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Alfonso Dastis, who was also a well-known face around the Union, yet he had not had as many TV appearances as his boss has had. The Spanish Foreign Minister arrived the day before the summit date, to supervise the final preparations and finishing to organise the important summit his country, the one he was in charge of representing the following day, was hosting. However, Dastis would not be alone that day: Inquistan and Ganian representatives would join him that morning to discuss how the Union for the Mediterranean would help the countries involved on this summit, as well as to get to know more about the Federal Republic of Gania.
Gania had not had the chance to introduce itself to the European Union, incluiding the Kingdom of Spain, which whom they shared their language and had many things in common. Gania was a mystery to Dastis, not because of what he could expect, but rather of what he did not know about them. On the other hand, he knew what to expect from Inquista, a loyal and very important ally to Spain. The night passed, and the summit day arrived. It was a matter of time for Alfonso to meet and greet his guests, this time, in front of the Government's official building and residence in Nueva Antequera, which had the capacity to host summits and institutions without interfering in its other duties.
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The delegation from Gania arrives in the city of Nueva Antequera, led by President Beatriz Argimón, her Foreign Minister Ernesto Talvi, plus trusted advisors. Upon reaching the summit site, the delegation takes their places and congratulates the presidents of Spain and Inquista, important countries in Europe with their political and economic weight. With the aim of uniting economic cultural ties and also revitalizing the Mediterranean economies on which they are very dependent, Gania as a country where the port sector is constantly modernizing and leading to the recognition of several ports; We can also say the strategic importance of this union in Europe, of which we can say that it will be very important and decisive in strategic decisions in the economic, political, cultural and tourist aspects, among others. We hope to contribute and help our region, working together
First statement from the GANIA delegation
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BEATRIZ ARGIMON
ERNESTO TALVI -
Chief Bishop Secretary Edward Firoux arrived in Nueva Antequera eager and excited to begin the process of creating a new framework for Mediterranean cooperation. Such has framework has already long been on Firoux's mind, and as an experienced veteran of drawing up agreements and writing legislation, the Chief Bishop Secretary was hoping to be in the centre of the action. Now in his position as Chief Bishop Secretary, Firoux was placing regional integration into the forefront of the Inquistan government's agenda. After championing the European Monetary Union, it was time to move on to integrated Mediterranean cooperation.
Firoux has rubbed shoulders with many regional leaders and representatives in Europolis, but has never had the pleasure of meeting the Spanish Foreign Minister or any representative of Gania. The Chief Bishop Secretary was looking forward to becoming acquainted with them, as he hoped to henceforth be in very regular contact with his colleagues.
"Minister Alfonso Dastis, is it? It's great to finally be able to meet you. I've heard great things about yourself," Firoux complimented as he shook hands with the Spanish minister. Indeed, Minister Dastis was the successor of Jean Claude Juncker, so he had big shoes to fill, and thus far he seemed to be doing just that.
"It's an honour to finally meet the President of Gania. I have been hoping to see Gania participate more actively on the European stage, and so I am very excited to be able to meet you, Madam President," Firoux stated warmly as he shook hands with President Beatriz Argimón.
Firoux then proceeded to welcome the other Ganian ministers with a warm reception. "Gania has already been part of the EU for some time, but I want to formally welcome your nation to the EU again. It is so good to see you all here today."
The Chief Bishop Secretary then seated himself at the meeting table and poised himself with seemingly perfect posture. "Well, are we ready to begin?"
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Dastis welcomed the Ganian delegation, which was led by the President of the country, a surprising fact seeing how Inquista and Spain had both decided to send their ministers. However, that was more than an advantage for the Spanish old diplomat rather than an inconvenient, as it gave the summit a real look of comparomise with the idea: "Ms. Armigón, bienvenida. It is a pleasure for me to welcome you to Spain, a country I have heard yours has a lot in common with. On behalf of the Spanish Government, we are very honoured to have Gania over the table, and we hope this is the start both countries aim for towards a great relationship".
Then, Alfonso welcomed Firoux, former Speaker of the European Council and great friend of the European Councillor for Spain, Donald Tusk. Dastis smiled when he saw the Chief Bishop Secretary arriving. Both shook hands and the Spanish Minister spoke: "That's me, Mr. Firoux! It is an honour to meet you, I have followed your political career since you became the Speaker of the European Council, a work you pulled out with great management and impartiality. Donald has asked me to greet you on his behalf, and so has the President. Was your trip good?", the Minister wondered.
Then, both delegations entered the meeting room and the summit started. After Firoux's question, Dastis toom the floor and spoke: "Yes, we are ready to go! First of all, I would like to thank you both for coming to Nueva Antequera today, as we are very pleased of seeing that the idea Mr. Aguilar and Ms. Kligenberg agreed to back in their summit in St. Dominico seems to have no barriers to begin with. Before we get into the whole summit content, allow me to point out how important it is for the Spanish Government that we, the nations of the Mediterranean, cooperate together on certain issues and affairs. Not just it will increase our economic bounds, but also it will increase that sentiment of brotherhood we believe in on the Mediterranean.
Within this Union, what I believe we are all looking for is making our values and our lifestyle even more united. The Union for the Mediterranean is one chance of a lifetime, and I believe we should not let it go. As all of us know, the European Union has been falling apart recently as more and more populist and anti-EU essence alternatives have gained popularity amongst many important states, willing to undermine the real purposes with which the Union was created. That is where we should come in, to prove that the pro-sovereignty alternatives will not be able to defeat cooperation in the Mediterranean. First of all I wanted to comment on free movement and transport within the Mediterranean. I would apprecite some comments on Gania's transport network, and if it has foreign links via rail or air. We would be up to creating a free movement zone in the Mediterranean, already existant between Inquista and Spain, which would benefit our economies and enhance tourism."
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"Please pass on my regards to Mr. Tusk for me. Let him know that the next time I'm in Europolis, that drinks will be on me!" Firoux told Minister Dastis before the meeting began.
The Chief Secretary nodded along as the Spanish Minister opened up the meeting and made his points. "Cooperating across the Mediterranean is important for the development and prosperity of this unique region of Europe. Our nations and people cannot thrive if they are in a weakened and insecure community. It is imperative that neighbours in a common community, such as the Mediterranean, support one another and build each other up, for our own betterment. The Mediterranean needs to guarantee its own economic, military, environmental and cultural security.
Free movement is a must. As Minister Dastis has pointed out, this already exists between Inquista and Spain, but we would like to see it extended to Ganaia as well. Furthermore, Inquista not only supports the free movement of people, but we also support the the free movement of goods and services across the Mediterranean without impairment as well. I am also interested in what the Ganian President has to say about Gania's international transport links, and if Gania is interested in a free trade agreement."
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President Beatriz Argimon takes out her notes, chats with her assistants and begins to give her first words at the summit.
''I want to thank everyone for the excellent reception, all our delegation felt at home; It was a great pleasure to have met the foreign ministers of Spain and Inquista, they were very kind''“Many were surprised by my presence, the truth is that I was thinking of sending the foreign ministers, but I decided to come with the entire delegation; because I believe that this union will mobilize millions of euros, people, merchandise, etc. As the ministers have already pointed out, free circulation is fundamental in this region, and its extension to our country, with which we fully agree, makes our products open to other markets and stimulates various sectors''
''Gania has great potential to contribute to this union, both in transport, where we have great connectivity and which we want to expand, with modern airports, with a network of modern railways that connect all parts of our country, we can also talk on the river network where we have several first-class port terminals such as Montevideo, which is in full expansion, Buenos Aires, among others, a solid financial market that has not had a recession since 2003 with important and global cities such as Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile, Herminia among others. In short, I would like to say that we are ready to begin studies for the free trade agreement, and I want to emphasize that the March elections that will elect the new president of Gania, I want it to be clear, this is in the interest of the people, not of one government, so we will continue this progress despite the new political changes in my country despite the changes that will come in my country, negotiations and progress will continue uniting the Mediterranean''
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"I am glad that we agree on free movement, and when it comes to the Spanish position on Free Trade between Gania and Inquista, something we already have under the guarantees compiled in the Treaty of Telum. The products we have on this region, that we share and that we offer the world are crucial for our development, and we must protect them and ease that a Ganian citizen can have some Spanish Ham and that a Inquistan citizen can have some products from Gania too. As the prices get lower, we make it easier for our citizens to eat healthier and enjoy the great resources we have. In fact, we would not be what we are today if it wasn't for these amazing products!
Ms. Armigón, I would like to ask something about foreign transport links as well: does your country have a foreign rail connection with the United Duchies or Red Croatia, as I still have the doubts. If there is no existant connection with those countries, we would be willing to help Gania connect to Red Croatia and join the Eurorail scheme, and I would like to hear what Mr. Firoux has to say as well. Do any of you have other proposals concerning trade? The Spanish delegation is thinking on a Mediterranean certificate of quality for our products, so no cheap copies can substitute our original products".
The Kingdom of Spain
