Cue the Summit (Elthize, UK & California Summit)
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Image: Presidential Palace in Forecoaster, Elthize. (original image)
President Greenwich Grimwald got ready for another summit that would be held in the Palace. As usual, he was gonna be with Minister of Foreign Affairs Oscar Crofton. As the red carpet got laid out and the marching band held their position, the Elthic side got the notification that the guests' plane had landed.
"Alright," Crofton said. "They should be here at any hour. Do you know much about them?"
"The countries or the leaders?"
"The latter."
"Not really, no," Grimwald replied. "Starmer just became the Prime Minister, so we didn't have much opportunity. As for Albanese... Well, I'm not sure. How do you pronounce that, by the way?"
"Al-ba-nee-see. Or something like that." Shortly after that, the two informed that the guests had arrived. They arrived and walked through the red carpet, and the anthems of all three countries were played by the marching band.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen," Grimwald started the conversation in the middle of handshakes. "Let's go inside."
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Starmer shook Elthize's president's hand.
"Pleasure to meet you," Starmer said. Albanese also greeted him.
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After a series of greets, Grimwald pointed the group to the Presidential Palace, where the gentlemen would have a chat in his office. After asking everyone if they wanted something to drink or eat, Grimwald got straight into business:
"Gentlemen, it's nice having you here, once again. The connection between the three nations cannot be overstated, and I hope that there can be cooperation, especially when it comes to the principles of free trade and free travel. Of course, I am always open for suggestions and further comments, so... Ask away."
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Keir went first
Thank you for inviting us here. It's gorgeous. My first question is, on behalf of The Institution, can you explain our prior history?
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The question Starmer had just asked Crofton and Grimwald had left them confused and bewildered. "Does this person not know anything about his country's past...?" Grimwald thought to himself. He glanced at Albanese for a second, as if to ask, "Are you seeing this?" but wasn't sure whether he had noticed him. Regardless, Grimwald was graceful and, so in order not to distract from the talks at hand, addressed the question seriously:
"Well, modern-day Elthize can credit the British and their trade companies that settled on the shores of Montgomery in 1828 as its first founders. It's where our country's origin story begins, after all. It was a thriving settlement that outperformed the kingdom up north, the Kingdom of Elfiz, to be precise. This angered them and they tried to destroy Montgomery, only to fail miserably, resulting in their annexation. This is where we got our modern-day borders."
Grimwald then took a break to take a sip of his water. Crofton continued from where Grimwald had left off: "After that, it was the Commonwealth of Elthize, who had allegiance to The Crown. The British elite that resided in Leagio moved to Elthize, particularly Forecoaster, after the Leagioan independence. That's why it became the capital of our country... Well, it's not the only reason, but a huge reason."
Grimwald resumed: "Even after our independence in 1937 we had good relations. William Lee Marchand, our first president and the founding father of Elthize, was keen on having trade deals with the United Kingdom."
Crofton continued, once again: "And that's not mentioning decades of collaboration until today... Anyway, enough with the history lessons. Hope that was... clear enough."
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"Please excuse Keir's relative ignorance of history. California remembers that fact. In fact, we are very much like them except we are more humble," Anthony jabbed. His manner was friendly but plain.
"Given the prior relationship, why don't we engage in a free trade agreement?" Starmer suggested.
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"There is no need for apologies, Mr. Albanese. We're only here to work and serve our people," Grimwald replied, trying to sweep the whole thing under the carpet. After Starmer suggested a free trade agreement, the awkwardness in the room lifted significantly.
"Of course, we are open to a free trade agreement that is compatible with all three countries' regulations and policies. Is there anything more you'd like to say regarding such an agreement? We appreciate suggestions," Crofton continued.
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"The easiest thing for all involved is to have the British Commonwealth be an area of aligned customs regimes. That way any nation wanting to trade with one of us can trade with the remainder," Starmer suggested.
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"Well, that's a discussion you guys can have at another time, as Elthize is not a member of the Commonwealth. I assume this agreement will also have a free travel agreement included?" Grimwald responded.
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"Of course. The United Kingdom will always commit to free movement. We benefit as much as you," Starmer replied. And I'm sure California will too."
