Good Neighbors (Leagio-Elthize Summit)
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Image: Presidential Palace in Forecoaster, Elthize. (original image)
"Everything ready?"
President Grimwald wanted to make sure that the security around him was in check, as he was going to leave Elthize for a summit with neighbouring Leagio, in the city of Tullion. This was the first time he was going to such events since Elthize joined the European Union, which, to him, was a major achievement.
"Yes, sir. We are waiting for you," the chief officer replied.
"Great."
While Grimwald was somewhat paranoid, as it seems to be the case around election seasons, he was also hopeful. Leagio has had decades of shared history with Elthize and the relations have been getting more positive than ever since the establishment of the Second Republic, thanks to his and the previous president Archie Franklin's efforts.
"Honey, are you alright?" Grimwald's wife, Imogen, asked.
"Oh, you know me. This happens everytime." Grimwald replied.
"Well, alright then."
"Is there something you want from Leagio, dear?"
"I want you to be fine, Wald. That's all."
After the usual goodbyes to his wife, Grimwald left the palace and got onto his designated car, alongside his advisor and Finance Minister, Tobias Walters, who would go alongside him in this summit.
"So we're going to talk about free trade and travel? What else?" Grimwald asked.
"Well, that, and also set up an embassy finally, and maybe a couple of consulates." Walters replied back.
After a moment of silence, Grimwald finally remembered something.
"Oh, wait! The EMU!"
"Yes, The EMU. We should make sure that our Leagioan friends help us get permission from the Bank of Europe to mint and use it."
"And get rid of the florin, finally."
"Yes... Though I have doubts on how popular that would be in Elthize."
"Well, if it were me the whole world would work on one currency!.. Don't worry Toby, they'll get over it."
"Please. Do not call me Toby."
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Executive Mansion in Tullion, Leagio"Madam President, He is on the way as we speak." One of the aides for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Good, mind telling the staff to ensure that everything is ready alright?" President of the Commonwealth Mouri-Kudo asked.
"Of course, Madam President." The aide said as he left.
Then after the aide left just as Minister of Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini entered the office of the President.
"He is on the way as we speak." Mouri-Kudo explained, "What might the topics that will be discussed you think?"
"Knowing what I understood about the recent election in Elthize, the topics will include for sure: Free Trade, Allowing Embassies and Consulates, Free Travel at the moment. Also, the EMU will be a topic mentioned in these talks as well." Minister Mogherini explained looking over a sheet of paper containing a list.
"I see then. In case nothing comes around of it, I will try to offer some dual-nation construction projects like the current Tokyo-Tullion Railway Line to help him qualify for the EMU and boost his economy. for the EMU qualification." Mouri-Kudo suggested.
She knew that such a thing would also ensure positive relations between Leagio and Elthize that have been good for many decades already. Relations that have also been good since the days of the War for Independence that the two had side by side against the United Kingdom. A war that the two nations fought for the sake of liberty and freedom. Even in the Battle of Geaqi, General Henry Huttson had a brigade of strong minded and brave Elthizic Volunteers from Forecaster that served especially in the final charge that ended the War of Independence with the Defeat of the United Kingdom's Colonial Army in Leagio through an encirclement.
"We should also discuss providing weapons and equipment to Elthize depending on their attitude towards the situation over the Straigths that is on-going at the moment." Minister Mogherini explained.
"A good suggestion. I will see about that. But I will not make it the first topic that will be discussed." The President said.
"Of Course."
"We can also mention Project Wayside with him, where Elthizics can have the chance to work on the residential side of the project at good wages and benefits." Mouri-Kudo explained.
"I agree. I think might like that. it will definitely help his economy as the money could go to the Elthizic economy to boost it through purchasing goods and spending. Maybe it will help them qualify for the EMU at one point or another." Minister Mogherini explained.
Then an aide came said that President Greenwich Grimwald was just past Henriville, Huttson and should be in Tullion within the span of at least two and a half hours as traffic was cleared for his travel through the interstate highway system on H-15.
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The convoy had passed the capital city's limits and was getting closer to the border, to the capital city of Tullion. After a minor encounter with the border control, the roadtrip resumed as usual.
Through his phone, Grimwald had been reading on the shared history the two countries had to refreshen his knowledge. It was a lot: The Leagioan loyalists and refugees escaping to Elthize during The War for Leagioan Independence, Elthize being divided over whether to continue as a protectorate or as an independent nation, tens of thousands of Elthic men illegally volunteering to liberate Leagio on the Battle of Geaqi, and the general turmoil it all caused for the country at the start of 20th century.
Unlike Leagio, the ruling class in Elthize was hesitant on gaining independence from the United Kingdom. While its land and precious gems was still exploited, the nation had somehow escaped the harsh taxes or increasing authoritarianism like its larger neighbour, mostly because the richest colonizers of the land had been residing in St. Lucas and Forecoaster, signing secret deals with the government and gaining important positions in Elthic politics to ensure their wealth's safety, to the point where Elthize had became the poster child of colonial Britain, gaining dominion status. However, this would not last long, as the Elthic independence movement, which was already stirring up since Leagio got its freedom, intensified in the 1930s, resulting in a civil war between the loyalists and the middle-class revolutionaries. The latter won, declaring Elthize independent in 1937, which was formally recognized by United Kingdom that same year.
Another thing that struck Grimwald's mind was Leagio's explicit support for the revolutionaries during the civil war. Most revolutionaries monitored the war in Port Hilson, and got most of their military support from Leagio. It was a proxy war, if you will- with the UK supporting the loyalists as well. Thanks to this, the first Elthic nation, then called the Commonwealth of Elthize, has had great relations with the Commonwealth of Leagio, which has continued to this day.
By the time Grimwald had got his eyes off his phone, the convoy had entered the city of Tullion, twenty minutes away from The Executive Mansion.
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"He's here. Madam President." One of the aides said.
"Thank you." President Mouri-Kudo explained as she stood up from her desk and proceed to walk to the front entrance of the executive mansion. After a few minutes, she walked out to the front of the entrance of the Mansion and proceeded to watch as the convoy arrived and stopped at the stairs. The Commonwealth Republican Guard stood at attention and the band played the tune of Millennii Patriae (The Elthize National Anthem) just as the Convoy arrived. The tune of the anthem finished just as President Grimwald exited the vehicle.
When Grimwald exited, Mouri-Kudo shook hands with the President of Elthize.
"Welcome to Leagio, Mr. President. I hope that your trip to here was comfortable?" Mouri-Kudo said with a smile.
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"Yes, thank you, Mrs. President. Our trip was wonderful, it went as smooth as it can be. Thank you for accepting our invite for this meeting, it means a lot, especially in these times," Grimwald replied back.
Grimwald then gestured inside the mansion.
"Shall we, folks? We have a lot to talk about, after all."
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"Of course. Right this way. Mr. President." Mouri-Kudo said as she led the Elthic President to her office. As they entered the office of the President of the Commonwealth, an aide came and brought in their preferred drinks.
As they sat near the fireplace with a table between them. As they got comfortable, Mouri-Kudo began the talks.
"First, let me be the first Leagioan Politician to congratulate you on the recent election in your country. I know that one of the things that you wanted to have these talks was about the idea of Free Trade between our countries. Personally, I have no problem with it and support it. But with it, I was hoping to also include a provision to allow preferential trade status of Gas that your country produces to Leagio. Leagio will pay for the Gas of course, but if we can negotiate on allowing more to come through at good prices then my Government will be excited about it." Mouri-Kudo started the negotiations.
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I would like to," Grimwald stopped for a moment before continuing:
"But also it's worth mentioning that a lot of the natural gas reserves are owned and extracted by the private sector. Actually, the government and state owned companies directly own around... less than a quarter or so of the resources. Mrs. Mouri-Kudo, if it wasn't obvious enough in my election campaigns, let me reiterate I am a strong believer in the free market and few regulations. It is a major reason why I was elected by the people of Elthize, after all."
Grimwald then took a sip of his glass of water.
"But that doesn't mean it's not possible, you know. Additional tax cuts and subsidiaries to companies who sell more to Leagio, as well as public endorsements... Yes, that would suffice I think. Once I tell the fat cats about that they'll come running for you with affordable gas!"
Grimwald started chuckling at himself a little bit over what he said, before continuing in a more serious tone:
"However, we wouldn't like to give you guys this privilege for free. You see, a good chunk of Elthize's electricity comes from nuclear energy, Mrs. Mouri-Kudo. While I am well aware that we already take your uranium, we too would like to take more of it, at a better price. I think Leagio has more control than us over its companies and what not, so I'm sure it will be far easier for you guys... Feel free to correct me on that one."
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Mouri-Kudo thought on it for a moment on what the President of Elthize said.
"I understand completely. My apologies for asking you to abandon your values, Mr. President. I think that the Tax Cuts and public endorsement will be acceptable. If these companies wish to, then when the revised constitution for Leagio is adopted and come for the new budget in 2023, we can implement tax cuts for them in case they decide to open an office in the Commonwealth with expanding business in a way that does not take away jobs from your country. In exchange, I will in turn push the National Congress for a resolution of approval for Elthize to have more Nuclear materials for the purpose of constructing nuclear-powered plants. That is correct that Leagio has some additional control with companies, but with certain limitations as I prefer businesses to run their own way that is ethical and not immoral." Mouri-Kudo explained.
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"Yes, that would be greatly appreciated, Mrs. Mouri-Kudo. I am glad we are on the same page when it comes to free market," Grimwald replied.
"Now that that's settled, let's talk about currency. The EMU is something I admire- ever since I was a teenager, I had a dream about a worldwide currency, something that you can use to pay for anything with, anywhere in the world. So when the Treaty of Finisterre was signed between Leagio and six other nations, it was delightful, and I destined to join this union once Elthize joined the EU. Now that we're an EU member, I want to succeed. A common currency will help with the trade between our countries, and the ascension of Elthize to the EMUzone will legitimise its use even further, in my opinion. Elthize will appreciate your efforts and Elthics will appreciate the ease of transaction that will come with the EMU. Elthize would love to be a member of the Treaty of Finisterre, and it would appreciate Leagio's endorsement in this regard."
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"I understand completely, Mr. President. I believe that Elthize will make an outstanding member of the Treaty with the EMU as a currency. Leagio would be happy to endorse your nation. However, the problem is getting you accepted as according to the current economic info that your government shares with the public, it is not at the required levels to qualify for membership in the Treaty. However, the Commonwealth is willing to provide aid to help if you wish. At the moment, Leagio will be announcing the construction of a new port city in Arlick just west of Port Hilson that will in dealing with the increasing overseas trade that it had. Project Wayside, as we have dubbed it, is a project that will have hundreds of workers from different trades work in building the new city. There will be some military construction, but nothing heavy if you are concerned. The location of the project will be a couple of miles on the coastline border of our two nations. If you want, when the project starts, Eltize can be able to work on the project and be paid in either Elthic or Sulia's. They will also qualify for benefits that workers will receive in the project like insurance. When they finish for the day, they can be able to use the money in your country's market and drive up the incomes of your country. I know that you are a free-market person, but I just wanted to be able to help provide ways and means to make it happen." Mouri-Kudo explained with a smile as she should a map of the proposed area of construction for Project Wayside that was not far from the East side of the Leagioan-Elthize border.
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"Well, that is a very generous offer, but we will have to decline. I see no use for aid right now. I believe that Elthize is already on the right path to reach the standards put by the Treaty of Finisterre and beyond. As for your project, it looks great! Flawless, even, and we wouldn't mind being involved... Or it could be a building company of ours, not like it isn't a possibility! But first, could you explain the minor military construction in the port a little more, please?" Grimwald kept checking the map, wondering how the project would compare to the ports in St. Lucas or Forecoaster.
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"Of course. The military construction is mainly for to serve as a dockyard for our submarine fleets as docking them in Port Hilson has started to become a headache with the high levels of overseas trade coming into Leagio. It will have some weapons but for mainly defense. The building of it is not made with the intention of being threatening at all. The project in terms of civics is that the idea is to construct a new city that can build a large number of a new Leagioan merchant marine fleet and handle additional shipping." Mouri-Kudo explained as she showed a picture of the planned naval base.
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"Oh, no, I didn't want to be taken that way, Mrs. President. I don't think it would be threatening, either. Just wanted to know the details." Grimwald replied as he kept looking at the naval base for a while. "We can supply construction workers, yes. Any other project we need to talk about?"
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"Of course, Mr. President. As I am sure that you know, Leagio is working out a railroad connection from Tullion to Tokyo, Yosai. Depending on the outcome of Project Wayside, we could consider a time to connect the line to also to Forecoaster?" Mouri-Kudo explained.
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"Why yes, that would be great! In addition, we're considering renovating the rail line between Forecoaster and St. Lucas, which is our largest city, I'm sure you're aware. I reckon its location is great for another train line that'll pass through Montgomery, our second largest, Project Wayside, and ending at the city of Port Hilson. Let me draw you what I mean."
Grimwald then drew the map of southern Elthize, almost a bit too perfect, and after drawing some lines, he showed Mouri-Kudo the picture:
"Well, not my best drawing," Grimwald chuckled. "And some locations may be wrong, but this should get the gist. So there's the Tullion-Forecoaster line, which I'm assuming will pass through Geaqi as well. Then, there's the dark red line, which will connect this line to St. Lucas. I've already mentioned we do have a train line connecting these two, but it is a bit old and slow, and to outcompete the car you must make your trains significantly faster. And that's not an issue. Then, the bright red line will connect St. Lucas with Montgomery. This line already exists, and again, it'll need some renovation. Then, there'll be a border crossing from Montgomery to Project Wayside. That is the orange line. And lastly, a train line between that and Port Hilson is shown in the green line." Grimwald then took a sip of water before continuing.
"Elthize can also help with the last line I mentioned, by the way, though that'll probably be dealt with by private transportation companies. But anyway, what do you think of this plan, Mrs. Mouri-Kudo?"
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Examing the map provided, Mouri-Kudo founded a lot of benefits to the idea.
"I think that these are very beneficial to our nations and am in agreement, Mr. President. You are correct on the Tullion-Forecoaster Line going through Geaqi and then around the Beaumont Mountain Range between Tullion and Forecoaster. However, at the moment studies are being done at the moment to determine a line can be made through the mountains with tunnels going through. However, the study will most likely not be complete until at least another month or two from now. " Mouri-Kudo explained as she took a sip of her fresh Leagioan Desert Lemon Tea.
"Now, I was wondering in terms of the issue dealing with the Meditrean Straights between Spain and Yosia, I was wondering on the position of your government on it? At the moment, Leagio has to stay neutral in order to avoid a distribution in overseas trade."
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"I... Actually, not me. But the government holds similar beliefs, Mrs. Mouri-Kudo. We have talked about this issue, that is, me and the Elthic cabinet, and all of us agreed to not hold a definitive stance on the issue for now. Both Spain and Yosai are essential countries for both of us and personally, I would rather not fall off with either side. So we're mostly quiet about it." Grimwald went silent for a while, and then noticed his colleague's drink thanks to its distinct smell.
"Pardon me for asking this, but what is it that you're drinking?"
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"Oh, this is Leagioan Lemon Desert Tea . The Tea leafs are grown in the deserts within the Commonwealth with it being blended with a mild form of lemon juice in. It's a Karptniz method of Tea that became popular for colonial Leagioans when trading with the Native Kaptniz residents." Mouri-Kudo explained.
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"Ah, I see. That'd make a good gift for Imogen," Grimwald chuckled. "That's my wife if you didn't know. She doesn't like the spotlight much."
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"I Understand, her wish to avoid the spotlight much. I use to be the same way before I went into the Progressive Alliance Party." Mouri-Kudo explained as she went to look in a draw within pulled out a large family-sized box of the Lemon Tea Packets that was unused and still wrapped.
"Here you go. A little personal gift from me to your wife."
