Banefort Conference (ATTN: Sikandara)

[Bogan]

It was a cold and rainy day in southern Bogan, where the streets were being cleared of all trash, oil and rubbish. Street cleaners and city workers were busy in preparation for the arrival of Bogan's first ever formal visit from a foreign leader. Throughout it's history, Bogan had remained a tightly controlled hamlet of fascism and national unity. It's crime rates were incredibly low, and it's forests and cities alike were vibrant. On the whole, the last one hundred years had served Bogan interests well and the people had prospered.

That is, until heavy industry became a necessity... Veronica Maleatu thought to herself. The President had tasked the young Minister of External Affairs to oversee the diplomatic exchange with Sikandara, an established monarchy within Europe and a potential economic and political ally. If Bogan was to secure it's future for the next one hundred years, it would need factories and heavy industry to do so. That was Veronica's job. and I will not fail.

A communiqué was sent to Sikandara's diplomatic agency to invite them to Banefort for a two day, top level meeting to discuss the possibility of an economic and political partnership. The person delivering the message was, as always, a member of the Bogan State Security Ministry.

--- Message Contents ---

To: Sikanadaran Diplomatic Agency
From: Ministry of External Affairs (M. Veronica Maleatu)

We invite, at your request, an official of equal standing to discuss the potential economic and political cooperation between our nations. Please arrive at Banefort at your discretion for a two day summit. Standard bodyguards and staff are appropriate and encouraged. Your security arrangements must be forwarded to the Ministry of State Security prior to your arrival in Bogan.

Warm Regards,

V. Maleatu

 

[Serenierre]

Banefort, Bogan

The Sikandari delegation was led by the Grand Councillor for Diplomatic Affairs, Rustam Ghaznavi, who had arrived in the country the day before to engage the small country of Bogan to see how the Empire could establish better ties with this strategically important nation. With Potenza to its north and Carentania to its south, both nations not particularly favoured by the Sikandari Government, this meeting was an important step to bolster a possible counterbalance in the region. Councillor Ghaznavi knew that his counterpart would be a woman, which had not particularly surprised him, seeing that Sikandara had also had female politicians rise up to become ministers of state.

Sitting down with the Bogan delegation on the other side of the conference table, Ghaznavi started with the diplomatic formalities, praising the country's beauty and the manner with which the official guests had been treated. Inviting Madame Maleautu to visit Shahdara - the imperial citadel. Following the usual round of pleasantries, with a smile, Ghaznavi said, "Before we say anything of our own, I would like to hear what Bogan would like to discuss with us... we already know that our views on most foreign policy issues are rather aligned..."

 

[Bogan]

Nodding imperceptibly, Veronica replied to Ghaznavi. "Generally, the State of Bogan doesn't involve itself in the affairs of other nations and we pride ourselves on being self sufficient. Unfortunately we cannot afford the luxury of the latter or the former. We need heavy industry materials to develop a base of production in our nation."

Veronica pulled up a chart to her right, which was on a folding display tripod, that displayed the overall output of industrial production in Bogan. It had a sharp decline after the year 1937. "Most of our industry is light industrial goods and consumer goods. We need more machines, tools and factories to be able to produce mechanized combines, automobiles and farm implements. We also suspect that in our northern regions we have modest oil and natural gas reserves, and we would be willing to supply your nation with a portion of these resources at a cheaper rate than standard cost."

 

[Serenierre]

The Sikandari Grand Councillor smiled. Apparently the Bogans took their isolation rather seriously. "Madame, Sikandara is a net exporter of fossil fuels... so while we do not need Bogan imports, we can help modernise and expand the sector within the Bogan economy... as it is something we have immense experience in. And here," he presented a file to the Bogan woman, "are offers from a variety of Sikandari firms in the sector... we leave it to your government to decide." The Grand Councillor shifted in his seat. "As far as the question of developing the secondary sector, I believe the Mezhist Union would be a better partner in that goal and the Empire is willing to serve as an intermediary between your government and the Mezhist one."

"However, Madame Maleautu, there are Sikandari businesses that would like to help in creating a niche in the farm machinery industry and this would be a particularly important thing for us, since agriculture is especially important for us. But Madame, let us also convey that most of these issues are best left discussed by members of the government and bureaucracy at a less senior level. But from our end, let us convey that Sikandara is wanting to see a gradual routine being established where a mutually beneficial trade relationship becomes the norm. But Madame," he said, leaning forward, and with conviction, "Know this, the Imperial Government is wanting to make long-term partnerships with like-minded states and we hope that Bogan will also be inclined to the formation of a friendship with the Empire."

 

[Bogan]

Taking the file, Veronica took in the Councilor's response. "I would be honored to look over these firms and select those that would benefit both our people's. Perhaps at some point, low level officials can be sent to Sikandara to discuss the less serious matters of what's been proposed here?"

Leaning forward, She addressed the latter of Ghaznavi's reply. "We would welcome a mutual trade relationship, and a political friendship with the Empire. However it should be pointed out," She said, with emphasis on the how. "that the State cannot and would not provide any sort of military assistance, at least until public opinion and policy changes. We are in a delicate position culturally. Our people have a long history of being self sufficient, and while we are slowly progressing into a new era, it will take time."

 

[Serenierre]

"The Empire is fully aware of the Boganaisse position on self-reliance... and the idea of treaties covering trade and our political ties is wholly acceptable. The Empire, rather than seeking to build a military alliance is more interested in Bogan as a nation and we hope that we can help your country enter international politics by serving as a conduit of better ties with nations across the world. Despite being a monarchy, Bogan is not the only Fascist state we are interacting with... we have ties with the Fennian Union, Saaremaa and the Mezhist Union of Upper and Lower Swiecziema... each is a valuable friend for the Empire and we expect that Bogan will, when policies change, join this group of nations that are true protectors of civilisation. Additionally, we urge your government to open channels of communication with likeminded nations such as the ones mentioned... it will truly enhance the scope of the Boganaisse economy."

 

[Bogan]

Veronica knew now, that this man was not her enemy, nor were the people he represented. She smiled denuinely at him.

"I will advise my government to open communications with those lands you've mentioned here. Perhaps in the coming months, I can visit your nation and we can discuss matters more on that topic? In the meantime, I suggest letting our aides handle the details of the economic package we've discussed, " she said, referring to the farm machinery industry.

"Unless there's anything else...."