Martinique and Hannson: Meeting

[Serenierre]

[div] style="width: 250px; float:left" |

You must be registered for see images

[/div]Chateau de Ferrière
Villesen

The largest of all the former palaces, the Chateau had come to be the preferred venue for diplomatic meetings. The formal gardens and the grand salons were ideal to show the strength and grandeur of the Serenien state to foreign dignitaries. And it was here that the Commissariat for External Relations was hosting the newly elected Prime Minister of the Two Kingdoms, M. Birger O. Hansson. The Private Secretary to Bernard Lavosnier, the Commissar, had designed a wonderful itinerary for the delegation, showing them a wonderful array of cultural highlights in the ancient Serenien capital.

Premier Martinique arrived at the Chateau after the visiting delegation had been welcomed and settled in. It had been decided to commence the meeting after a formal lunch between the two heads of government and the representatives from both sides. After lunch, the two premiers and their senior most aides withdrew into the Salon de Hermes. The other members of the Jykerige delegation were taken to the National Museum just a short trip away from the Chateau and would then be treated to an afternoon tea at the famous restaurant, Le Orangerie.

The Salon de Hermes had once been the private library of the Crown Prince and had large windows which opened into a balcony overlooking the gardens.

"Monsieur Prime Minister," Elisabeth began, "As we were talking about earlier, Villesen is immensely grateful for the assistance your country has been affording us all through the troubles since last year's war. And in Scania we hold the Two Kingdoms to be a genuine friend and partner of Serenierre. So now, as the private discussions commence, let me say that I look forward to expanding the scope of our bilateral relationship with your government."

She listened closely to the man opposite.

 

[Jydsken-Østveg]

Chateau de Ferrière
Villesen

Birger felt it quite impressive to be in Serenierre. He never imagined himself there, and was certainly impressed with his visit thus far. He quite liked the Chateau, it was quite majestic although quite different from the types of royal buildings in the Two Kingdoms. Sitting opposite of Premier Martinique he felt it intriguing to be in his first foreign meeting. He was by no means a young man, but it made him immensely happy that he could still value the variety of new experiences that he could come across. Something that did not feel like a possibility just this time a year ago when the King was assassinated and it felt more as though his world would collapse.

“Elisabeth, let me thank you so much for bringing me here to discuss our relations. From what I understand our countries have gotten along well over the years, despite years of Conservative Governments. I must give the Conservative Governments credit, they were pragmatic and without them I might not be sitting here with you. I do not plan to end the pragmatism that my Kingdom has often practiced, and through that I hope to continue to deepen our bonds and our cooperation. I do not plan to end our practice of neutrality, not to suggest that you expected it... I just wish to make it clear that I don’t plan any massive changes to foreign policy for you to scratch your head over.” Birger paused and nodded as if in agreement with himself. He had a sort of clumsy scientist persona to him.

“So how can I say this other than, how may I express my gratitude to you?”

 

[Serenierre]

"Oui, quite indeed, Birger," she followed his rather informal lead and used his name, "The pragmatism of your Conservative party has gone a long way in ensuring a very stable and positive relationship between both our states. And that is very much the need of the hour, we need bridges in an increasingly polarised world. Villesen provides a bridge to the world of Marxist states and Jyskerige provides bridge for us to the monarchist states. As you are well aware, in Gallo-Germania, quite recently we have had to trade some serious blows. However, it is also quite true that the beneficial relationship between our two countries has also been economically profitable... Serenierre, after all, is one of the largest economies on continental Gallia. Our market, coupled with the Confederation of Borovanger, provides a vast zone of opportunities which was well recognized by your predecessors Birger."

Elisabeth smiled appreciatively at his follow up comments.

"Well, as you are aware, Jyskerige is a major source of energy supply for us and we seek to have that aspect of our bilateral relationship not only strengthen but to deepen considerably. In the wake of the victory in Occitania, our concerns have considerably increased with respect to energy security. So, primarily my interest lies in that direction. And secondarily, I believe that the opportunities for trade between our two countries need to be realized more fully. I believe a rather lucrative deal was reached between some of your aeronautical firms and my air force for your avionics. I want more such lucrative contracts between our companies... hopefully some the other way around as well," she laughed softly.

 

[Jydsken-Østveg]

Birger nodded several times as Elisabeth spoke. The informality was quite normal as far as Jysk-Austwegian culture went. Using titles was uncommon, and really only stressed when meeting royalty.

“Of course! Energy security is important for many nations and the Two Kingdoms provides energy without tax or tariff based upon alliance or opinion. Neutrality has helped keep the markets honest in many ways... or at least more honest than they might usually be. Our production capacity cannot always meet demand in some commodities. As leader of the Socialist Party it is very important for me to keep our workers well paid.” Birger was not entirely sure why he went on this angle of conversation, it was as if he were still campaigning. He decided to adjust the direction of the conversation. “I don’t mean to bore you with the various aspects of our economy though. The important parts that you are concerned over with energy security should not be a problem. Our biggest oil and natural gas export markets are your own, and Auraria. In this respect, we fuel Gallia.” He smiled. It did make him quite proud to consider that.

He continued, “I’m not aware of much of the agreements we have currently otherwise, but I am happy to know that we do cooperative in the defense industry. Our defense industry supplies everything as basic as small arms to more complicated like avionics. I more than happy to see future collaboration in other aspects though. I know for sure that the Two Kingdoms has been looking to secure a new main battle tank. We have attempted to secure one prior from the NCU, and had talks stall with Kadikistan. I would be open to looking into your Republic’s MBT.”

 

[Serenierre]

Elisabeth nodded. "And for the efforts of the energy industry, all of Gallia is thankful," she said before flicking open a dossier on her lap. "I think we can be sure that Serenierre will remain an ever-hungry market for the oil and natural gas and the Two Kingdoms a solid and reliable partner in that regard. Before we move further in the discussion, I was seeking to broach the point that Serenierre has been building up its strategic supply to prevent disturbances. Since the end of the Seven Days War, we have significantly invested in bolstering our own strategic capabilities but we are focusing on establishing similar mechanisms for the Protectorate of Occitania."

"While the peace has been restored due to the efforts of the Government of Natal, we must always remember that Eiffelland has stationed over hundred thousand troops in the eastern half of Occitania, requiring us to maintain a corps of sixty thousand or so in the Protectorate. And it is quite unpredictable what events will transpire in the Kingdom following the political tumult of the previous year. So, for the next six months, I would request additional facilities be provided to Serenien oil tankers at your ports to enable the process to go through at a marginally faster rate. Obviously, all dues will be paid by the shipping companies handling the matter, but there is a serious urgency to... as they say... get the ball rolling."

"I suppose the people at the Commissariat for War might be better suited to the specific discussions about our main battle tanks, however I do believe our front-line battle equipment has freshly been tested on the field of battle. I think the results should speak for themselves what Serenien engineered weaponry can do when put in the hands of well trained operatives." She was indeed quite pleased with the Military and she often found herself beaming when relating tales of the successes from last year. Often, she felt like a proud mother. Even though her own pacifistic son rather detested her. "I think your evaluation committee would find our tanks, be it the modified and ever faithful L72 "Peyrussel" or the new L90 "Montaigne" both have been tried to majestic effect in the rugged and difficult terrain of Occitania. I think few countries can boast that."

"However," Elisabeth plucked out a few pages from the dossier, "while we are talking about Occitania," she handed over the pages to the Prime Minister, "there are tremendous opportunities there for companies there. The Protectorate's government, under the administration of our own Lt. General Xavier, is eager to attract the involvement of foreign companies particularly in the reconstruction efforts of the urban and transport infrastructure. I believe the motorway between the cities of Lions and Almezde was awarded to one of the companies owned by the Riocreux family," one of the richest families in post-revolutionary Serenierre, "I believe the official estimate is that the project is worth 65 million goldmark over all. A company from Fleur is also going to engage itself in rebuilding efforts in a few cities. There are countless such projects being listed on tender and we believe many companies in Jyskerige would be ideal for the job. I'm sure your word in the chambers of commerce would entice the skeptics."

"In addition, I believe that mineral exploration as well could be a very valuable endeavour in the mountains of the Protectorate of Occitania. While of-course, I only speak on behalf of the people of western Occitania who are under the suzerain control of the Serenien state on account of the Treaty of Camp Hill," she loved how she had spun the expression 'occupation' around, "the sovereignty of those lands belongs to the people," she said solemly, "So any final discussion would need the support of the Protectorate, itself, I can only point the direction."

"Oh, I believe, the Two Kingdoms has yet to exchange consular credentials with the Protectorate of Occitania. I hope, there's no problem there."

 

[Jydsken-Østveg]

Birger nodded, “I think that the oil can be assured to reach whatever quantities you are willing to purchase. We do participate on the open market, but as you know we are a reliable means for you to receive petroleum, and we’d like to maintain that quality about our relationship.” He didn’t want to promise anything new, because he wasn’t really sure how that would work, but he also knew it wouldn’t be especially difficult to fulfill the new demands of the Gallians, and Protectorate of Occitania... which he assumed was still to be considered part of Gallia, but the politics of nations usually seemed to determine geography more than anything actually geographical.

He continued observing how Elisabeth seemed to have an agenda of sorts as she went through her dossier. He arrived mainly wanting to say hello, and test the waters. Making some agreements or the like was not his goal, but he wouldn’t say no either. The question of exchanging credentials with the Protectorate of Occitania made him weary though. “First of all, the Two Kingdoms are very much interested in working, trading, and helping rebuild the Protectorate of Occitania.” He hesitated, but cleared his throat to project a definitive sense that he would not budge on the subject. “...However, I cannot stay that the Two Kingdoms can exchange credentials and recognition of the Protectorate yet. It would be a most callous abandonment of our neutral values to immediately recognize anything in region that is almost entirely disputed. For that matter, some time must pass for a normalization of the region occurs and such discourse can begin. Prior to our moving forward, we are more than willing to setup rudimentary trade links and agreements with the Protectorate on the basis of trade in the spirit of humanitarianism.”

Birger waited hoping to see where Elisabeth felt about that.

 

[Serenierre]

She smiled. It was merely polite to. "Ah, let me correct you there," she shifted in her seat, "The Protectorate of Occitania is hardly disputed. It was established by virtue of an international treaty negotiated by the Government of Natal and recognized by the Governments of Eiffelland, the Kingdom of Occitania, and then then Government of Retalia. So your categorization of the situation in terms of taking sides is not altogether correct." She raised her hands up, "Although I realize your government is fresh off elections and still needs time to establish itself. So, quite obviously I welcome your suggestion of establishing a lesser diplomatic presence in Lions... perhaps a Trade Office... for exactly that purpose... trade in the spirit of humanitarianism."

"With respect to oil supplies, obviously, our accounts will remain in the black and we will continue to provide our end of the bargain. I believe we bought seven billion worth last year... as the largest economy in Gallia, I am sure that you understand we value energy security."

"Additionally, Birger, I must ask, after all that nefarious business of Eiffellander cyber attacks of banks during the war, has your financial sector taken effective steps to counter the threat of such actions from other such rogue countries? I think our modern economic system requires serious efforts to dislodge that level of interference in the integrity of banks and institutions."

 

[Jydsken-Østveg]

Birger nodded again, “As we say back home, there is no cow on the ice. You haven’t anything to worry about with the state of cyber security in the Two Kingdoms. For what we don’t spend in bullets, we spend on computers. We are a very digital society, and security is of paramount importance for us.” He wanted to avoid the topic of Occitania further. He could not remember a Jysk-Austwegian government ever rushing to recognize a foreign country born from war. From civil strife and self-determination? Yes, that was another subject. It felt difficult to understand much or what was to come from this meeting. He was curious what Elisabeth cared about in regard to cyber security.

“I am sure you have not just come as me about cyber attacks without some greater thing in mind, yes? Are you wishing for cooperation in this topic?”

 

[Serenierre]

Elisabeth listened carefully to every nuance in the conversation. Her piercing gaze was keenly focused on the Prime Minister. She offered a smile at the comment about the cow. "Well, now that you raise the matter," she offered another few pages from her dossier, "One of the matters, we are seeking a governmental level cooperation is digital security. As times have moved forward, the threats to the market and to the State emerge not simply from the physical threats of weapons... these digital warriors dare I say are more dangerous."

She shuddered almost at the thought of the Eiffellander hacking campaign which shook the banking system across Gallia during the war. "I am sure you are aware of the disturbances caused last year in the markets." She chose to remain vague. Elisabeth could sense that the Scanian man was not altogether too keen on her direct approach. "I would like tremendous cooperation in this regard between Villesen and Gothenhagen at the state level - obviously top secret - but also between commercial undertakings such as banks, and cyber security professionals to ensure that digital threats can be effectively countered."

"I am sure, our own experiences and tactics against attacks last year, of cyber warfare... would greatly inform Jysk developers. The exchange of ideas is important, I reckon."