Royal Visit/Summit || Montenbourg - Inquista
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The Motorcade of The Most Blessed State of @Inquista arrived at the grounds of the Bourgeon Palace where the Queen Victoria was expecting to formally welcome Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg to the country.
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The Archbishop walked towards the stairway to meet her Majesty, as protocol she was at the State Room. Where a footman was waiting to knock and introduce the Archbishop. The footman knocked and presented: "Your Majesty, the Most Reverend Mikaela Kligenberg , Archbishop of @Inquista"
She put the tea down, put herself up and said "My dearest friend, such an honor to welcome you to Montenbourg. We are delighted to have you here, and I personally thank you for coming." As custom she put her hand out on reverence.
And continued "How is the College of Bishops?" -
"My dearest Majesty," Mikaela responded as she took the hand of Queen Victoria and planted a kiss on it. As the Archbishop of the Inquistan Orthodox Church, Mikaela was not expected to follow such a ritual, but she did it anyway because she thought it was a pleasant idea.
"No, the pleasure is all mine. I am both so honoured and so delighted to be here with you. Ever since the dinner in Inimicus, and your coronation as Queen, I have been meaning to visit you personally. I have to say, as always, you look most beautiful."
Mikaela then seated herself on a nearby chair and crossed her legs.
"The College of Bishops has been giving me a headache, but that's what politicians do, don't they? They create headaches. Whenever the Prime Minister or an MP visits you, I imagine that you must consider yourself quite lucky that you don't have to get all too involved in their mess."
The Archbishop carefully gazed around the room and studied the interior.
"The Bourgeon Palace is truly a wonder. It's so magnificent. I also love the decor. Do you oversee the decorating? I'll definitely need to consult you. I usually just plaster everything in pink, but I don't think many people like that," Mikaela laughed.
"Although, now, I suppose you are much too busy for decorating, now that you have ascended to the throne. How are you, and how are you handling the transition? I imagine it must be very tough to have lost your father and then quickly be thrusted upon the throne. I lost my father over 8 years ago and I still think about him every single day. If it wasn't for him, I don't think I'd be Archbishop at all."
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"Oh my friend, thank you for coming." She smiled and relaxed a bit."Take a seat."
The Archbishop seated.
"In fact must say that politicians nowdays do the best they can, but they stir my mind some days; as you may know some things can only be perceived one way because they only have one meaning but that is part of what you may call their mess and its their duty to solve it, such as it is mine to oversee it."She saw the Archbishop gazing to the room.
"Most of the decor is very much inspired by myself but mostly of the great staff, I can send you some friends, they do an outstanding job. You know plastering things goes out your wave of authority and we as women must protray force in everything." She laughed."As you It hasn't pass a day that I don't think of my father, but the Crown must continue. It has been so fast, but the support of Europe and my people has been much apreciated. You know, I'm looking forward for the coronation ceremony and wish you to come, even if you want to partcipate in the ceremony as Archbishop that would be a wonderful symbol of unity. But sides of that I hope to build a strong friendship with you Mikaela, must say that Inquista inspires me everyday."
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Mikaela nodded empathetically as Queen Victoria spoke. "As they say, heavy is the head that wears the crown. Well, your people and your country are right there with you by your side. The people of Inquista definitely support you as well. Your father would be very proud."
The Archbishop then smiled. "It would be an absolute honour to participate in your coronation ceremony. I really can't wait for that special day. When is it?"
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"Indeed it is. I'm thinking forward on November or December, the Privy Council shall establish a official date. In other ways, how do you feel with the current situation in Eastern Haane?"Said the Queen.
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"The situation in Eastern Haane has been on my mind. The country and the people have been through a lot. I can barely believe what I'm seeing in the news, and what Inquistan intelligence has been telling me. The humanitarian situation is a complete disaster. The amount of atrocities that have been committed is... indescribable. It's been a great tragedy. I'm glad that the European Council is moving quickly on the matter.
Inquista isn't directly involved in the intervening coalition, since I don't think it's right that the Inquistan Orthodox Church perpetuates any further conflict. However, we're very interested in ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those who are effected. I am very thankful to your government, which has made a very generous donation to the Inquistan Eastern Haane Relief Fund. I also have to commend your government's Agency for Development and Cooperation, which has been doing great work, especially for displaced people. It comforts me to know that Montenbourg has also opened itself to people who have been escaping violence. It pleases me to see that our countries are on the same page, and that we can cooperate on the matter."
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"Indeed, for my this is a issue that has a special place in my heart. It's inhuman the way that we sometimes treat the ones that don't have a place to belong. We need to do more; Our charities can work together with the inquistan fund for eastern haane, if you wish." The Queen took a sip and rang the bell. "Remember Reverend that we are going for a ride on the carriages to the mall, this is a Royal Visit and we must continue with the ceremony. I understand that at the dinner reception my government is looking forward to speak to you on the commerce agreement, those matters you shall speak to them later. For now let's procede."
The Royal Carriage arrived to the Bourgeon Palace
The Archbishop entered accompained by the Queen. The Carriage advanced towards the Mall for a detour. They waived a the public.
"What a historic day for both of our nations, isn it Archbishop?"
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"It truly is a historic day for our nations," the Archbishop replied with a sweet smile as she peered out from the window of the carriage. Mikaela had never ridden in a horse-drawn carriage before. This seemed like something out of a fairy tail. Mikaela was very pleased with the experience, which felt very magical.
Montague was a very beautiful and picturesque city. Mikaela observed the city with great wonder. The Archbishop began to daydream as she peered outside, with the sound of the carriage shaking and the hooves of the moving horses fading. After a minute or two, the sound of the horses trotting outside brought Mikaela back to reality. The Archbishop then resumed her focus to Queen Victoria.
"Have you ever tried racing a car with your carriage? I feel like we need to give it a go."
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"Oh dear"The Queen smiles and laughs. "Must say that I wish to do that ha ha" She laughs along with the Archbishop. The people waved as they passed through the streets.
"Long Live the Queen, God save our Queen" People where shouting in the streets."God saves the Archbishop, Long Live our Queen"
As they advanced the Carriages finished their roundabout and enter again to the Bourgeon Palace.
"Well how was it?"She smiled to the Archbishop. "Shall we continue to the Dinner? but first I wanna ask you about somenthing, how do you feel as woman being in a position of leadership?"Said the Queen.
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"That was magnificent, thank you. Dinner sounds great," the Archbishop answered affirmatively. She then thought for a moment, pondering over the Queen's question. Mikaela was the first female Archbishop of the Inquistan Orthodox Church. She was the first female leader that Inquista has ever had. Despite this fact, this wasn't a topic that Mikaela often reflected upon.
"I sometimes feel a bit alone, and that I have a great weight on my shoulders. There aren't that many female leaders, and there were basically none growing up. In many ways, there wasn't a blueprint for us women, who aspired to be leaders, you know? There was no textbook or instruction manual. I didn't have many examples of female leaders to look up to. Well, political leaders at least. I had many strong women in my life, like my mom, who I deffo aspire to be like.
But I always had to chart my own course, and usually without any help. Everything I ever did was always a moment of breaking the glass ceiling. A first. An achievement. A record. Then, despite smashing the glass ceiling, men will still think they know best. They talk over you, they interrupt you, and they never stop 'advising' you. It can be tough. But I always try to remind myself that there's a reason why I'm Archbishop, and that they aren't. I know I'm capable, I know intelligent, and I know I'm strong.
I know it's early days, but how are you finding it now, as a woman in a position of leadership?"
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"You know Mikaela, I see you. I share that same sentiment. I'm not the widow of a King, I am the daughter of a King; and here is history. So you and I send a strong message to all the women and especially the young women who put their faith in you and in me, because we have shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling for them to follow." Said The Queen as they advanced towards the dinner reception.
At the enter of the dinner reception the Prime Minister Xavier Bettel saluted the Archbishop "Reverend, I'm looking forward to our free trade, shall we discuss it after dinner if you wish." they proceed seating.
The dinner started. The Queen offered a few words. Accompained by members of the court and high ranking ambassadors.
"Reverend Archbishop, I am delighted to welcome you to Bourgeon Palace. Prince Philip and I are so glad that you are visiting the Kingdom of Montenbourg. Your visit to this country inevitably reminds us of our shared history, our common language, and our strong intellectual and cultural links. It also reminds us that your country twice came to the rescue of the free and democratic Europe when it was facing military disaster, with the horrors happened in Dromund Kass and now in Eastern Haane. On each occasion, the generosity of the Microstate of Inquista made a massive contribution to recovery.""Today, Inquista remains our most important ally, and our two nations contribute to the security and prosperity of our peoples and of the European Union through shared national interests."
"Entertainment may not be so obviously an example of our close ties, but it forms part of the lives of a great many of our people. Over the years, we have enjoyed some of Inquista most spectacular musical productions and any number of what we call films, which you might prefer to call movies. (Laughter.) In return, Montenbourg films and theatrical productions have achieved considerable success in your country. Now a collaborative film The Tourist is being nominated at Newark International Film Festival 2020 in the @Kingdom-of-Reitzmag; This exchange of people and projects has enlarged and invigorated our common language, although I think you will agree, we don't always use it in quite the same way. (Laughter.)"
"Archbishop, I firmly believe that the strength of our links and many shared interests will continue to ensure that when the Kingdom of Montenbourg and the Most Blessed State of Inquista stand together, our people and other people of goodwill around the Union will be more secure and can become more prosperous."
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to celebrate the tried, tested, and, yes, special relationship between our two countries. I, therefore, ask you now to join me in raising your glasses to the continued health, happiness, and prosperity of the people of the Most Blessed State of Inquista, and especially to the health of Archbishop Mikaela."
(A toast is offered.) (The National Anthem is played.) (Applause.)
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The Archbishop felt quite touched by the beautiful and compelling speech given by Queen Victoria. Mikaela smiled and nodded as the Queen spoke, and then participated in the toast, before applauding along with the rest of the guests.
Mikaela, who was seated just across from Queen Victoria, blushed in her seat and was speechless for a few seconds, which was quite the triumph for the Queen, because the Archbishop was quite the chatter box. Mikaela looked across at Queen Victoria and thanked her.
"That was quite the toast! Again, thank you so much for hosting me. You know just exactly how to treat your guests. I am honoured, and I feel very special, so thank you. This is such a pleasure, and your words are really touching."
The Archbishop then looked beside her, at Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, and smiled. "I hope you don't underestimate your new monarch, she might just run circles around you."
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"It's always an honor to have you." The Queen smiled "I'll present you my Prime Minister the Right and Honorable Xavier Bettel, I leave you to it." The Queen advanced towards the ambassadors delegation.
"Ha-ha, our majesty is our most hidden treasure. She run the world, as Beyonce said." The Prime Minister laughed with the Archbishop. "What a toast for our friend of Inquista, as her majesty's foreign office informed us your delegation wishes to make an update to our Free Trade Agreement."
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"Oh she does," Mikaela agreed with a smile. "Yes, I'd very much like that. I was hoping to eliminate all of the remaining tariffs within our agreement, establishing a full free trade zone between our nations."
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Both of them laughed on the remarks comparing Queen Victoria to Beyonce's song Who Run The World the Prime Minister responded:
"Sounds excellent, @Inquista and Montenbourg shall be more united than ever. Both of our private sector will be delighted with this. Also our Defense Minister has suggested the possibility of Inquista having a military presence in the north, and we can provide space for a possible Inquistan base in our soil; an MDT Mutual Defense Treaty or better said an Agreement on Strategic Partnership and Mutual Support." Said the Prime Minister to the Archbishop.
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"I would support a mutual defence treaty, but would that not compromise Montenbourg's status as a neutral nation? I don't want to accidentally walk Montenbourg into any legal trouble. If you don't think it will be a problem, then I happily agree to it! As for the military bases, while that's a very kind and generous offer, I can't accept it. Under my government, Inquista is opposed to establishing military bases anywhere overseas. That's very generous of you, though, and we appreciate that.
I also want to raise the topic of the climate crisis. I see that your country is moving towards a completely circular economy. That's great news! I was hoping to better our emission targets from our previous agreement, and commit to decreasing our current levels of green house gas emissions by at least 20% by 2030."
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"Well that's true that would compromise our position. This is not the time then. Yes we are, our policy is centering on circular economy, all montenbourgian industries had agreed and new ones would have to comply. Let's do it!"Said the prime minister.
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"Great! These amendments will help update and modernize the current treaty between our governments! Here is the updated document," the Archbishop commented as she took out a black pen from her purse. The Archbishop signed the updated agreement and passed it to the Prime Minister.
There contents of the agreement were such:
The Most Blessed State of Inquista and the Kingdom of Montenbourg will hereby agree to:
1. Eliminate all existing custom duties and tariffs between their respective states.
2. Create and enforce a labour code that, at the very least, prohibits gender and sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace, creates a minimum workplace safety standard, and prohibits the exploitation of minor children.
3. Ban chloride and sulfur pollutants, and the dumping of chemical and manufacturing byproduct in fresh and salt waters.
4. Commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Existing levels of green house gas emissions must be reduced by 20% by 2030.
5. Commit to increasing existing levels of investment in green infrastructure technology by 100% by 2030.
6. Allow the Inquistan Orthodox Church to freely create and fund Inquistan Orthodox faith schools in the Kingdom Montenbourg. Institutions relating to the Inquistan Orthodox Church shall be tax exempt in the Kingdom of Montenbourg.
7. Allow the Kingdom of Montenbourg to establish a Theological Institute for Inter-Religious Dialogue and Exchange in the Most Blessed State of Inquista. Institutions relating to the Church of Montenbourg shall be tax exempt in Inquista.
8. Establish a communication and information link between the intelligence and secret services of their respective states.
9. Institute visa-free travel between their respective states.
10. Commit to nuclear non-proliferation and condemn the use of nuclear weapons. Any state or party that detonates nuclear weapons will be immediately condemned by the Most Blessed State of Inquista and the Kingdom of Montenbourg.
11. Commit to cooperate and collaborate in humanitarian relief efforts in Dromund Kaas and Eastern Haane. An official humanitarian partnership between the Most Blessed State of Inquista and the Kingdom of Montenbourg will be created in relation to Dromund Kaas and Eastern Haane.
This declaration is a binding document and must be ratified by the relevant government instruments of the Most Blessed State of Inquista and the Kingdom of Montenbourg.
