Franconian-Taighian meeting

[Großlausitz]

Stirling
Taigh

Foreign Minister Robert Beaumont had spent the night at the provisional embassy of Franken in Taigh's capital. For the minister his trip to the Scottish confederation was a welcome opportunity to personally check his homecountry's youngest embassy, which was currently being set up by a senior Foreign Office member, who also acted as chargé d'affaires. Upon the minister's return Nürnberg would dispatch its first permanent ambassador to Taigh. After a typically Taighian breakfast - Beaumont was a curious man - the Foreign Minister of Franken was brought to the Foreign Office of Taigh, where he was to meet his local colleague.

As this meeting would not only have political but also economic implications Beaumont was accompanied by a flock of company representatives, his ministry's Director-General for Economic Affairs and a staff of assistants. Robert Beaumont was certain this would be a profitable day for both sides.​

 

[Taigh Ur]

OOC: Quick point of order, my capitol is Stirling, not Aberdeen.

***

On one level, Secretary Barrowman was relieved to be meeting in the Foreign Office, as opposed to Stirling Castle; the nigh-constant diplomatic visits had made the Drawing Room almost bland. On the other hand, there was a certain comfort to the comparatively familiar environment of the Drawing Room; the differences between the two spaces were superficial - he even had a wet bar available to him here - but it was just noticeable to throw him off internally. In addition, he had Undersecretary Douglas and his staff on hand to handle whatever retinue the Foreign Minister was reportedly travelling with. This was not what he was used to at all, but he would make it work nonetheless.

There was a sharp rap on the door. So it begins, he thought, as an aide opened the door to reveal the Foreign Minister.

 

[Großlausitz]

Stirling
Taigh

Robert Beaumont answered his colleague's welcome in the manner typical for him if he got in touch with a leader for the very first time: Polite but not overly eager. "Secretary Barrowman, it's both a pleasure and privilege to meet you today on behalf of His Majesty's Government. Actually His Majesty King Alfred himself has asked me to convey you his best wishes for your re-asserted international presence. In my home country we have much respect for people who are both aware of their proud past and who are keen on securing a sound future for themselves and generations to come. Apart from the few technical differences between our forms of government I feel there's some room for cooperation."

The Foreign Minister made a brief break to let the preliminaries sink in with his counterpart. "It goes without saying that I haven't come to Taigh empty-handed. In Franken there's an interest in investing in Taigh. Vice-versa, entrepreneurs with a solid investment plan will be welcome to Franken, too. Speaking purely politically, The King Alfred, upon advice by His Loyal Government, has given me power of attorney to negotiate basic economic and travel affairs framework treaties."​

 

[Taigh Ur]

Well, this is an interesting change, thought Barrowman. This man knows exactly what he wants.

He spoke as he moved to the wet bar. "It's fantastic to hear that His Highness is enthusiastic about with our nation; we are of course similarly enthused to be involved with such a prestigious kingdom as Franconia." He unscrewed the top on the Scotch decanter, and began pouring a glass on the rocks, with another glass nearby.

"And I wouldn't worry about any perceived differences between our two nations," he said as he poured. "Our nation was once a kingdom itself; of course, that was quite a few years ago now. Our monarchs, unfortunately for them, seemed to suffer from a creeping, protracted irrelevance that eventually rendered them completely powerless."

He crossed the room, glass of Scotch in hand. "Now, I would make a preliminary suggestion or two, but I get the impression that you already have a few ideas of your own, which I would love to hear." He held out the glass to Beaumont.

"Care for a Scotch? We make some of the best here."

 

[Großlausitz]

Stirling
Taigh

Before he addressed the secretary's suggestion, Beaumont took a sip from the glass of scotch. "My compliments, Mr Barrowman. I daresay, this scotch can certainly hold the virtual candle to Radilean JHMC's spirits. Ah, before I forget it -", the Foreign Minister produced a handsomely looking letter, "- I've been asked to forward this letter by Her Grace the Prior of the Realm. As the ceremonial head of the Lutheran Church and Archbishop of Nuremberg Anna von Faber-Castell would like to invite her colleague, the archbishop of Aberdeen to her archdiocese." After Barrowman's promise to deliver the letter as soon as possible, Robert Beaumont continued. "Speaking about spirits, alcohol and the like brings me to the first issue. Due to the different laws on drugs in Franken and Taigh - at home we don't know 'recreational drugs' - it would be best to exclude alcohol and drugs from a framework treaty on import and export. Instead we will have to regulate it in a separate accord.

Of course we have to discuss travel regulations for businessmen as well as tourists, too. But I don't think we need to discuss in depth, do we? Instead I would like to point out that average Franconians prefer to make holidays in countries which both have excellent tourist resorts AND well-preserved historic sites. Furthermore, there's a sizeable portion of people one could call 'culture-tourists'. As to the industrial sector I recall that there were recent uranium finds in Taigh, eh? This would be very attractive for our energy supply companies. And what's the status quo of your pharmaceutical, automobile as well as your building sectors? In these fields Franken boasts companies which currently look for opportunities to expand their international business. Vice-versa Taighan companies are more than welcome to expand to Franken.

Pertaining foreign affairs His Majesty's Government would like to install one additional consulate general in Aberdeen and possibly grant about three honorary consulates. That's all I can offer you for now, Mr Barrowman. Nonetheless, on the middle run I might to return to Stirling or you may be invited to Nürnberg to discuss the signature of an accord of friendship. If desired, that agreement might be expanded by a certain guarantee pledges of Franken." Foreign Minister Robert Beaumont ended and let his explanation sink in with Barrowman.​

 

[Taigh Ur]

Barrowman had to restrain his sarcasm. Oh, is that all, he thought. It's more than I had hoped for by a mile! He did not say that, however; instead, he smiled that wry smile of his.

"We understand that every country is different; thus, we are more than happy to work out a separate alcohol import/export accord with your nation at another time.

"As for our businesses, how and where they expand is, of course, up to them, but we would be willing to offer incentives for international investment by our companies, and vice versa. Concerning our resources, we would be happy to begin exporting Uranium to Franconia. Finally, a consulate in Aberdeen will be a wonderful and welcome addition to the city."

 

[Großlausitz]

Stirling
Taigh

Robert Beaumont had a certain feeling his counterpart was disappointed about his offer. For now he decided to skip it and move on with the conversation. "Well, Mr Barrowman, what do you have on your mind for the relations between Franken and Taigh?"​