The reunion of old friends

[Fulanistan]

Location: Foreign Relations centre in Al Azir

The state car carrying President Abdullah pulled into the compound of the Foreign Relations centre. Today was the day the two countries would meet each other after years of indifference. Today was the day Batavie would once again return to Fulanistan.

President Abdullah stepped out of the state car, and walked down the long carpet into the building. The hallway was made with beige marble, and the stone below was in a checkered pattern. It was adorned with state flags, and the skylight overhead let in the hot sun, which revealed the dust in the air. The large wood door opened, revealing a large meeting table. The room was empty of people save for several guards. President Abdullah sat down on one side of the table, and now the only thing to do was wait.

 

[Batavië]

The searing hot sun bathed the light blue fuselage of the Griffin 747. Gliding over the Vostók Sea, the government plane crossed over the beach and the city as it made its way to the airport. The tarmac, glaring with heat, was its goal. The passengers were just waking up having flow through the night for over 9 long hours. With thud, the landing gear made impact with the asphalt. The air brakes and flaps fully deployed, the aeroplane began to slow down even quicker when the reverse thrusters powered on. Finally the behemoth aircraft turned off of the runway and taxied to its gate.

Prime Minister De Jonghe exited first and was caught off guard with the intensity of the sun. His black suit immediately began to bake him, but he waived and smiled anyway for the press. Ushered into one of the provided cars, he and his entourage were shuttled to the Foreign Relations Centre.

Air conditioning was a relief and the Prime Minister, after having freshened up in a waiting room, was ready to see the President. He walked into the room and greeted his counterpart in Dutch. Finally he could speak his own language when travelling abroad on business. He gave a bow and shook the man's hand.

'A pleasure to meet you, Mr President. I hope that we can restore lost ties, strengthen trade and business and embark on a new future together as we once had.'

They sat down and De Jonghe accepted a cool glass of water. Batavië having 30 per cent of its land sitting below sea level, De Jonghe never imagined he would want to see more water, but this glass was downed by him in one swift gulp. His aides, there for note taking and the like, did the same.

'You set the agenda, today, Mr President. I am all ears.'

 

[Fulanistan]

'First I would like to thank you for coming today. For far to long our countries have ignored each other despite the amazing potential. Today I wish to discuss reestablishing official ties between our two countries and increasing trade.'

President Abdullah quickly took out his pen to write down points of thought. He adjusted his position in the char and crossed his legs.

'Of course, my main goal for today will be to host a Batavie diplomat in our country, and a Fulanistani Diplomat in Batavie.'

 

[Batavië]

'Naturally that is a first step.' commented De Jonghe. 'I will be sure to appoint an ambassador as soon as I can. The accreditation process should only take a week, if that long. The Foreign Ministry will also be looking for a location for a Batavian embassy. As for a Fulanistani embassy, rather than placing one in our capital, Vlaanderen, it would be best to look for a location in Hilversum. That is quickly becoming an important city of trade and diplomacy in Batavië.'

Having settled the issue of officially restoring ties, De Jonghe wanted to move on towards other matters.

'As for travel between our two countries. Well, because of the great distance, flying is the only logical way. KLM Airways would like to offer non-stop service to Al Azir from Vlaanderen daily. The flight from Batavië to here is about 9 hours and about 10 hours back, because of the jet stream resistance. Visas should also be removed. My country has a visa policy of reciprocation. Meaning, if your government removes the requirement for Batavians to need a visa to travel to Fulanistan, then we will do the same. Business travel, holidaymakers and the like will be able to make trips more easily, no?'

 

[Fulanistan]

'I agree that visas should be removed, and I will review our travel policy to Batavie and remove them. I agree that air travel is very important, but I would also like to increase shipping, both for cargo and travel. This will allow us to increase the flow of goods, as well as allow for cruise ships to move freely. Sadly, Fulanistan's infrastructure needs major improvement before major travel can take place.'

Flipping through his notes, President Abdullah find his page on Trade.

'On the thought of trade, I am hoping that we can eventually create a Free Trade agreement. This will increase the strength of our economies and provide more opportunity for businesses. What do you think?'

 

[Batavië]

'Shipping is natural for cargo and goods. Universal Imports is a very large shipping company headquartered in the city of Poortstad, which acts as the port for Vlaanderen, as our capital is farther inland. Universal Exports has a growing fleet of container ships, raw material ships and oil tankers. So naturally any shipments made back and forth would go by sea. As for passenger travel, well the journey would take three weeks in one direction, so I am not so sure it is advisable or economical.'

'As for infrastructure, first I would say that the deep water port facilities need to be upgraded and the main airport needs to be expanded to handle more cargo and passenger flights. An extra runway would help a lot. As for financing such endeavours, I would see if any financial institutions or governments would be willing to help. Batavië itself wants to help, but we too are facing infrastructure upgrades and are low on cash. Loans from Carentania might be possible. They are nearby and like supporting infrastructure projects.'

'Free trade I can send to Parliament at once. I am sure they will accept. I am also aware that food production is low here due to the climate. Batavië produces a surplus of grain, wheat and other food products, vegetables as well. Via regular sea shipments and air shipments as well for perishable food items, we can secure your food industry. Some farm conglomerates in Batavië may also be willing to provide a friendly discount if a long-term contract for food supply is signed.'

 

[Fulanistan]

'Our airport is one of our main projects right now, as it was damaged when a plane's landing gear failed and it destroyed several hangars. Al Azir only has one commercial port, and this will be insufficient for future needs. I personally agree that foreign investment will help turn Fulanistan into a very modern economy.'

President Abdullah opens a bottle of water and takes a drink, then opens his notebook.

I also would like to ask if you have any further concerns or questions about our discussion.'

 

[Batavië]

'No, not for now.'

'I imagine once your airport is fixed and expansion begins and the visas are removed, more of our citizens, particularly those with more money, will want to make this as a holiday spot. The beaches are pristine, from what I saw from the plane. Tell me, what are your laws regarding property purchases? I am sure many will want to purchase flats or beach condos.'

 

[Fulanistan]

'Currently, vacation properties are nearly non-existent outside of Al Azir. In Al Azir, property can be purchased for vacation purposes as long as they have a permit. Outside of Al Azir, Vacation Property has no laws, so it would be a booming sector.'

 

[Batavië]

'Good to know. Well, the Batavian press will have a nice time reporting this meeting's success and I hope it is likewise here in Fulanistan. Is there anything else, Mr President?'

 

[Fulanistan]

'No, I think we discussed everything. On behalf of the people of Fulanistan, I would like to thank you for taking the time to personally come here and discuss our relationship. It is an honour and you are welcome back any time.'

President Abdullah gets out of his chair, and so does Prime Minister De Jonghe. They proceed to shake each others hands while the snapping of press cameras goes on in the foreground. President Abdullah and Prime Minister De Jonghe walk out of the room together, and then part their separate ways.