A Cumbia Dance (Spain-Caribbean Nations Summit)

[Nofoaga]

Lula Namatatiki, the undisputed leader of the small Caribbean island of Nofoaga, a fierce opponent of extremes except extremist centrism, and the most beautiful of all European female leaders, finished the small details with her luxurious make-up. Lipstick, eyeshadow and a lovely perfume. She looked in the mirror one last time, walked down the stairs to the forecourt of the presidential residence and took a seat in the car.

After a relatively long time, Lula undertook another trip to meet other government leaders. This time a meeting with, how could it be otherwise, the Prime Minister of Spain and fellow government leader of neighboring Gadalland and Aspern. Destination is Spanish Nueva Antequera.

The plane's propellers were spinning at full throttle. Lula Namatatiki got out of the car, said goodbye to some employees, went up the stairs and got on the plane… on to Spain for the summit.

[Spain]

Nueva Antequera, Antequera, España
4th March 2022

The second capital city of the Kingdom of Spain, Nueva Antequera, prepared itself for a historical summit: the Caribbean countries, together, would attend to a summit in Spain and meet with the famous President, Jesús Aguilar. It was not the first time this city hosted a three-way summit, something it had already done when the Union for the Mediterranean summit took place in the very same town the Caribbean leaders would find theirselves as soon as they got out of their Presidential planes. The city was decorated with the flags of Nofoaga, Gadalland & Aspern and the Kingdom of Spain; all of them looked so good together.

Aguilar arrived a day before to the city, in order to supervise the final prepaparatives for such an important summit. Caribbean nations were very important for Spain, and it was an area his country had special interests and assets at. Today, he would share a table with a well-known face and a new one, with whom he wanted to stablish great diplomatic relationships. Lula Namatatiki was a well-known character for Aguilar, a truly intelligent woman that deserved all of the President's admiration. She was a friend of Spain, of the European Union and a personal friend of the President too.

Nonetheless, Jesús did not know much about his other guest, Guthrun Wond. The Sertian Head Councillor had been elected last year and there was some controversy amongst his first measures after getting into office. He was a nationalist, known for being a little rebellious too. But nothing that the Spanish President, who had enough temper to keep the conversation civil and that would surely count with the help of the Nofagan President for that.

Aguilar awaited in front of the door of the Government's official building and residence in Nueva Antequera for the arrival of his guests, and for the summit to finally begin. He was eager to listen to what Namatatiki and Wond had to say, to have stronger ties with Caribbean nations. As he said to the press that day, "the Caribbean has a lot to say in the European Union and we need their voice to be heard".

[Gadalland and Aspern]

Head Councillor Guthrun Wond spoke to the press at Hemberdale International Airport before boarding his flight to Nueva Antequera:

"I am very much looking forward to meeting with Ms. Namatatiki and Mr. Aguilar to discuss furthering relations with Gadalland and Aspern and the Caribbean Common Community. This is an important meeting for the nation."

He'd had a reluctant meeting with his biggest opponent in government that day, Édutitalle Dína, the European Councillor, whom he'd tried to oust earlier in the year. However, she could not be removed. She had reminded him to keep a level head and follow the discussion, rather than being too radical or separatist.

He'd run his campaign on the base of "Stay Out of Europe", during the Adventuranza Strait conflict, hoping to prove that Sertian affairs, and the welfare of its citizens, were most important to him.

However, he knew in the back of his mind that this was a very important summit. He and Ms. Namatatiki had never spoken formally, and he needed to make a good first impression to her and Mr. Aguilar.

I might be rebellious and controversial, he thought, but I know how to be smart about it.
Sertia's relationship with Nofoaga and Spain, two of the most important allies to Gadalland and Aspern, was at stake.

Mr. Wond's closest supporters waved him goodbye as he climbed the stairs into the plane.

And off to Spain it was.

[Nofoaga]

Meanwhile, the plane from Nofoaga had landed on Spanish soil. Lula Namatatiki stepped down the stairs, ran her hand through her hair like a movie star and stepped with a sultry step towards the car that was waiting on the runway. A small Nofoaganese flag showed that there was a head of state in the car.

Lula turned around one more time and got into the car. She sat down and said to herself, 'finally...' The president was looking forward to meeting Jesus Aguilar and Guthrun Wond, her counterpart from neighboring country Gadalland & Aspern. She didn't know the man personally but she had heard a lot about it. She had resolved to listen mainly to Wond. Because the opposite... they were.

The car arrived at the government building where the summit would take place. The car stopped, Lula put her hair right one more time and an employee opened the door for her.

She got out, saw her Spanish colleague head of government and friend Jesus Aguilar, and even before she was well and truly with the man she held out her hand and shouted in an enthusiastic voice 'Jeeesuuus, I am so happy to meet you again. And I look forward to a new cooperation between Spain and, for the first time, the Caribbean Common Community Commission. Has Wond already arrived?'

[Gadalland and Aspern]

Guthrun Wond thought about his sailboat he'd left back in Bowerfey Docks as he flew on the jet across the pond to Spain. His advisors reviewed the most important concerns of the Caribbean and Gadalland and Aspern with him.

On their approach, Mr. Wond stared out the window. How similar it looks to Hemberdale, only perhaps more charming.

The plane touched down and Wond walk down the stairs to the car waiting for him. He was sped away to the summit building.

When they arrived, he opened the door and saw Ms. Namatatiki and Mr Aguilar speaking. They looked his way when he approached.
"Mr. Aguilar, Ms. Namatatiki, a pleasure to meet you. I've heard much about you from my associates."

[Spain]

Jesús was warned about the arrival of the Nofoagan delegation, to what he immediately reacted walking to the plaza in front of the building. The motorcade came to a stop, and Aguilar smiled when he saw Lula Namatatiki. Anyone that knew a bit about Spanish politics was aware of the great relationship the Nofoagan President and the Spanish President had, so the reaction of Namatatiki was unsurprising for the experienced Spanish President. Aguilar then spoke:

"Lula, it is so nice to see you once again! How are you doing, my dear friend? Was your flight alright? Mr. Wond has not yet arrived, but I am pretty sure that he will not take long to do so, a matter of minutes according to my secretary, Carlos. I am also looking forward to the outcome of this summit, and opening a new cooperation era between your country and mine, but also with the Caribbean Common Community Commission."

Indeed, the Sertian Head Councillor did not take much to arrive. The sirens were soon heard and the motorcade arrived at the place. Jesús Aguilar greeted Guthrun Wond: "Mr. Wond, it is nice to finally meet you after the huge cooperation the Kingdom of Spain and Gadalland and Aspern have been keeping since the volcanic eruption in Nofoaga." Then, the three leaders shook hands together and took some photographs in such a historic gesture: the 3 nations with territories in the Caribbean, together, in a single photograph.

Then, the leaders started their walk into the building and the meeting room, and Aguilar spoke to unveil some of the summits facts: "Ms. Namatati, Mr. Wond, welcome to Nueva Antequera. This town is our second capital city, and it basically helds many cultural events that cannot be held in Madrid, like EuroVoice 40. I also have a private residence here, that I use from time to time. I hope that you enjoy the stay in the city, and its nice weather allows its citizens to go to the beach and allows for swimming in the sea year round." The delegation reached the room, and glasses of water had already been served. "If you want anything else to drink or to eat, please ask for it and they will serve both of you. Now, should we start?"

[Nofoaga]

President Lula Namatatiki took a seat, sipping from the glass in front of her, opened her notebook and took the floor:

"Mr. Aguillar, Mr. Wound... First of all, I want to thank you for making this meeting possible. Jésus, thank you for welcoming us in this beautiful building. The challenges for the Caribbean are great and drive us to work closely together. Mr. Wond, I allow myself at the moment not to speak about my and your country, Nofoaga and Gadalland & Aspern, but about our subregion within the European partnership."

"Nevertheless, it must be said that Nofoaga is closely connected to our friends from Gadalland & Aspern and Spain. Our countries, and I look at Mr. Wond, are working together on the environment, immigration, trade, shipping, monetary policy and so much more. Mr Aguillar, I do not need to tell you, of course, that Spain is responsible for the security and defence of Nofoaga."

"It seems to me to be of great importance for Nofoaga and for the Caribbean in general that these two close and far-reaching partnerships are homogenized and coordinated."

Lula Namatatiki ran her hand through her hair and looked at the two gentlemen waiting for one of them to speak.

[Gadalland and Aspern]

Guthrun Wond nodded in agreement with President Namatatiki. "You are very on point in saying that, Madam Namatatiki. Beside Nofoaga, Mr. Aguilar, Spain remains our closest ally and friend in mainland Europe. A closer relationship between the Caribbean and our mainland allies seems more and more needed, especially in what seems like a changing Europe."

"I must speak quite honestly and say that, despite our political differences, we are very keen on keeping Spain as a close ally, perhaps making it an even closer one. Do you have any suggestions on how to, as you say, homogenise, our relationships?"

[Spain]

Aguilar smiled, and listened carefully to what his Caribbean colleagues had to say. It was very much known by everyone in Spain that their country cared a lot about the main Caribbean issues, and that the Kingdom was a reliable partner and security provider when needed, as proved in the volcanic eruption in Nofoaga last year. The Spanish President took the floor:

"I think that whom should be thanked for coming should be you, Lula and Guthrun. We have indeed faced many challenges together, some bigger than others, but we have been able to stand up from every hit the Caribbean received and, more importantly, we have done it together. We do not know what the future holds for us three, but one thing is sure: The Kingdom of Spain will always be there for our Caribbean friends and allies.

My Government and myself personally have been following the huge advances the Caribbean has made when it comes to their integration, and I have to congratulate both of you for the nice work you are doing in that area, as well as offering as many help as you need from our military to protect your environment, help with immigration, etcetera.

Speaking of Defence, General Brown has informed me about his personal wish to meet both of you. As Lula said, we are in charge of the defence of Nofoaga, and General Brown has also told me he wishes to offer the Spanish Caribbean Command help to Gadalland & Aspern. As your region already moves into integration, I do agree that we require of more coordination, that is why he has told me he wishes to establish a base in the west of Gadalland & Aspern, Mr. Wond. General Brown has lso told me that no effectives would be withdrawn from Nofoaga, what means it would be a new section withing the Caribbean Command which is based in the Base Militar de Bourbon, in Nofoaga.

I am also looking forward to hear your suggestions, Lula and Guthrun, so please don't hesistate to tell me. By the way, would you like some Spanish Tortilla de Patatas? You will not regret trying it out!" Said the Spanteh Presdient, with that smile that always caracterized him when he felt comfortable.

[Nofoaga]

"Jésus and Guthrun, I think I can call you both gentlemen by their first names... Homogenizing military policy in the Caribbean region is a priority for me personally. But military policy goes beyond pure defense of territory and airspace. It is also a means of providing the necessary assistance to citizens quickly and efficiently. I therefore advocate that, at least for Nofoaga... and I hope that I will have the support of Gadalland in this, that we can set up a civil protection training course under a common flag."

Lula Namatiki looked at her colleague Wond for a few seconds before speaking again.

"Friends. We face challenges. Let that be clear. I would like to see more balance in the relationship between the army and society. And such a common civil protection contributes to that."

[Gadalland and Aspern]

"You beat me to saying that, Lula," Wond replied. "That is part of the reason we have now established the Sertian National Fund. Much of our culture has relied on those who volunteer to protect and maintain Sertia's identity, and we'd like to provide more incentive to those who wish to participate in civil and cultural protection".

"And I would like to make a proposition. First, I want to see the Sertian National Fund, which finances the welfare system and other internal affairs, expanded to become the Caribbean National Fund. Or better yet, the Caribbean Transatlantic Fund, so that Spain may benefit. And I will not deny that this ambitious project cannot get off the ground without the help of Spain and Nofoaga. I do believe that a group funded welfare project would help support those in need and create economic opportunities for all".

"The Customary Logistics Council has also instructed me to accept any offer of assistance in terms of defence, so I am obliged, Mr. Aguilar, to follow their wishes and accept General Brown's gracious invitation of support".

[Spain]

Aguilar listened to the proposals of the Caribbean nations, taking notes and acknowledging their concerns and ideas to improve their region and the quality of their citizens' lives. Spain was the main partner and probably the only country that cared about the Caribbean, the link that was used by many people from both countries to connect with their European brothers and sisters. Furthermore, that link was quite a few years old, as it went back to centuries ago. Nofoaga, Gadalland and Spain had always been friends, and that would keep going for the years to come.

"As you both know, and especially you Lula, one of the principles of the Spanish Armed Forces is helping people when in need, make them feel safe in whatever situation they find theirselves into. The volcanic eruption your country suffered taught us many things, and civil protection training courses are a great idea to prepare people for the worse of the situations. The Spanish Army is willing to give those courses, and I would like to propose the creation of a Civil protection unit formed by unemloyed trainees that are willing to serve Nofoaga. The Spanish Government will be willing to assume the cost of their salary if needed, without generating any debt to Nofoaga or Gadalland, if Guthrun wants to join the programme as well.

Concerning the Caribbean Transatlantic Fund that you have proposed, Guthrun, I must confess I feel honoured for such offering. Spain is willing to contribute to the fund, again, without causing any debt to your economy or the Nofoagan economy; as my Government feels that somehow we need to contribute for using land that is owned by Nofoaga for the protection of both countries and their interests. If both of you are willing to accept that, I can give you my word that the first contribution to said fund will be done on August 1st, 2022; without any delay. I am also glad about hearing that you accept Mr. Brown's offer, here you have his phone number. You already have it, right Lula?" Aguilar then gave a little white card to Guthrun Wond, in which the phone number of General Brown was written.

"Moving on, I would like to speak about the upcoming challenges for your countries. How many of them do you expect to face during the next months? In my case, I have been following with interest the integration process that both of you have been going through the last months, which is truly admirable. When it comes to Spain, after we have finally been able to sort out all the crisis we had, I now face several difficulties within the boundaries of my country, trying to complete the "autonomization" of my coun try. Despite the effort made by many of my predecessors, a wide number of 'autonomies' have not yet completed the process to become proper autonomies, but they are rather pre-autonomic states."