Resurrecting the Eternal Flame (Krimeon & Euirasia)

[The Young Pope]

The Tsardom of Krimeon

To:- President Lucas Mann of the Commonwealth of Euirasia

I would first like to congratulate for taking the first steps in diversifying the Euirasian economy in order to keep up with the 21st standards; the road to wealth and prosperity for everyone and anyone may be harsh and painful at first, like any other transition to a new set of identity, and the people may resent you for it, but in the end it will pay off. This is where the Tsardom of Krimeon comes into the picture, as we would like to be among the first Ardian countries to aid you directly with your economic development, and thus am proposing that I'll embark on state visit to Euirasia and discuss matters of economic, diplomatic, security and cultural importance, so that our great nations may improve their relations as well. After spending a year in a secluded monastery, I'm itching for some travelling and thus am looking forward to your reply in regards to this message of generous offer.

Take Care and God Bless,

Tsar Viktor Gough-Petrov

[Lakhzovia]

Commonwealth of Euirasia

Tsar Viktor Gough-Petrov

The Commonwealth of Euirasia is most grateful for your warm sentiments. We are especially pleased at the presented opportunity for greater cooperation in the field of our economic development. I am certain that a friendship between our two peoples will be of immense benefit to us both.

I am happy to extend an official invitation for you to visit our nation where I will receive you. I am certain that Prime Minister Ventham will be keen to enter into more detailed discussions regarding the nature and extent of potential Krimeon investment in our land.

Sincerely

Lucas Mann
President of the Commonwealth of Euirasia

[The Young Pope]

The intent of the Krimeonite delegation, consisting mainly of Tsar Viktor as well as representatives of the country's foremost corporations, by visiting Euirasia wasn't just out of the good kindness coming out of the heart, but also to build up a reputation around the Tsardom itself, one based on acting as a humanitarian super Power despite the country's relatively small size when it comes to area and population. It already began with the Midaranye situation where Krimeon sent its military transport planes delivering food to the starved our Royal Seleucids and its Celtic minority, then unto Phuebra with financial and military aid, and now finally with Euirasia as well as focusing on Hawatia in the far south of Ardia. Only time would tell certainly how large the effects would be of Krimeon's involvement, but from the looks of it certainly was considered a positive force by others and naturally it boosted the overall national self-esteem.

In any case, Tsar Viktor's plane sored through the skies as it entered Euirasian air space; the Monarch was feeling quite optimistic about meeting with the Euirasian leaders and to contribute something positive for once, to make an actual change happen for the betterment of its people and such. The aircraft finally touched down on the International Airport's runway and taxied its way to the nearest terminal, where his hosts would await him. "Your Excellency, thank you so much for receiving us personally, we literally can't wait to begin the discussions in regards to Euirasia's potential prospects and how we can together create something marvelous for the future." he greeted after he exited the plane and walked on the red carpet.

[Lakhzovia]

President Lucas Mann and Prime Minister Laurence Ventham were waiting in a shaded reception area for the arrival of the Tsar's flight. The sun beat down with a ferocious heat causing the air above the tarmac to shimmer, the men sat in wicker chairs with fans blowing directly on them.

"I don't know why we couldn't just have them come meet us in the White Villa" said Laurence

"Please Laurence, our visitor is royalty, you know how these people expect pomp and ceremony. Frankly your ambitious plans require us to obtain all the foreign good will we can get, so best to put roll out the red carpet as it were." said Lucas as the steady drone of a landing jet began to boom across the airfield. "Speaking of which I believe it's show time."

The two men rose from their chairs and walked across the tarmac to where a band had assembled next to a red carpet and movable stairs. A penned off area some meters away contained a group of photojournalists their cameras at the ready. The plan finally taxied into position and the stairs moved into place, the door opened and the Tsar emerged, the band striking up a rendition of the Krimeon anthem as he descended the stairs onto the red carpet where the President and Prime Minister waited.

"Your Excellency, thank you so much for receiving us personally, we literally can't wait to begin the discussions in regards to Euirasia's potential prospects and how we can together create something marvelous for the future." said the Tsar greeting the men.

"It is our honour to receive such a distinguished guest to our humble Republic." replied Lucas Mann as the buzz of cameras exploded from the journalists pen "Please, if you would follow us to the motorcade we will make our way to the White Villa where I am told a fabulous lunch has been prepared."

[The Young Pope]

"When the two words 'fabulous' and 'lunch' are put together, it simply sounds fantastic, thus I'm looking forward to that. So please lead the way, gentlemen." the Tsar said as he and the rest of the entourage, including the various business representatives, entered the designated vehicles which were supposed to take them to the White Villa. Vikor had kept his smile and positive Outlook throughout the entire ordeal when he shook hands with the President and Prime Minister respectively, in order to appease the photojournalists who were so keen on endless clicking and flashing of lights.

"So my gentlemen, would you mind shedding some light on the latest events Euirasia's currently experiencing as well its overall wellbeing? Has any other foreign entity contacted your government since the end of the state monopoly companies, other than us Krimeonites?" the Tsar politely asked the President and Prime Minister whilst the convoy made its way to the destination.

[Lakhzovia]

"I'm afraid other than those companies that sought to bid during privatisation external contact has been somewhat limited, though it is our sincere hope that your visit will be but the first of many such visits." said the President "As to the current state of Euirasia I feel that my Prime Minister would be better placed to update you." he said turning to Ventham who dutifully took up the baton.

"Unfortunately the current state of affairs in Euirasia leave much to be desired. We as a government have inherited a mess from the Workers' Party which held power for the last two decades. Our country's economy is grossly inefficient and unproductive to the point of stagnation. Years of import substitution policies which sought to protect domestic firms has led to Euirasian goods being both expensive and of inferior quality.

My government's aim has been to revitalise the economy by opening the markets to international competition and break the state monopoly on core industries. Unfortunately, the pandering of the previous government to its base and the concentration of workers in labour intensive industries has left us with a belligerent and powerful trade union movement which has fully mobilised against our reforms." Ventham sighed "The indicators are poor. After the initial rally in the value of the Euiro that came with the announcement of our reform plans our currency has been depreciating rapidly in the face of the economic sabotage of the unions. We're effectively facing a period of severe inflation and the risk of a potential balance of payments crisis that is preventing us from using the proceeds of our privatisation drive to fund the investment that our country sorely needs."

[The Young Pope]

"I salute and commend your efforts in attempting to bring Euirasia into the modern global economy despite the difficult opposition you're currently facing, my sympathies truly extend to her people as well. Rest assured that the Krimeonite government stands by with your Project to revitalize the Euirasian economy. Bah, Workers' Party...Trade Unions...they're basically two equal sides of the same coin, mark my words carefully gentlemen, always repeating the same damned lies about creating a fair and honest Labour Environment where everyone will benefit equally from the money pie. Truth be told, it's exactly the opposite when they themselves hoard all of the rich rewards and enrich themselves whilst ignoring the common man. We've seen this happen all over Mundus where they were allowed to reign freely and look at the disatrous results that followed. No thanks to that, this is the reason why Krimeonites despise communist planned economies and fairy tale utopias bound to fail." the Tsar paused with his opinion and taking sips from his glass of water, all of that rant dried the throat pretty quickly.

"Consider yourselves fortunate for Krimeon to answer the Euirasian call for aid, as we shall gladly provide so and much more. I know also for a fact that my Prime Minister's cabinet and several top executives of the country's companies are eagerly excited and hopeful for what is to become between Krimeonite-Euirasian relationships. Please, once we begin the discussions, feel free to propose suggestions other than those of economic and diplomatic matters." the Tsar continued.

[Lakhzovia]

The motorcade finally pulled into the drive of the White Villa, the official residence of the Euirasian President with its neatly tended gardens giving out to a view over the sea. A light breeze from the coast provided some relief from the heat. The men exited the car and were escorted to the back of the villa where tables had been laid in the shade of tall jacaranda trees.

After the men were seated servants brought out the first of the meal courses along with wines chosen to complement the dishes. It was to be a working lunch however and conversation soon turned to matters of state.

"Euirasia is of course most grateful for the friendship of the Krimeon people. It is pleasing also to know that your majesty shares our concerns at the dangers presented by the so called 'organised labour movement'. I feel that my government and yours are well matched in worldview and that this presents us with many avenues for cooperation outside of the purely economic sphere. Our security services, for example, lack the sufficient training and technical abilities to work effectively against our domestic threats. Perhaps, if it pleases your majesty, your country may be able to aid us in training and tooling our domestic security services to better serve our mutual interest in regional stability?" said President Mann.

[The Young Pope]

"It's such a nice place the Presidents of Euirasia posesses" the Tsar complimented his head of state colleague as they were seated. It may not have been as opulent or grand like the palaces in Krimeon naturally, but it certainly gave a sense of relaxation and tranquility, much to Viktor's joy and satisfaction. The gentlemen had a lovely chat as the the food was brought to them and the serving of wine commenced. Eventually the realities of state affairs cought up to them and Viktor listened intentively to what the Euirasians had to say, especially when they had security concerns of their own.

"Likewise my good President Mann, the Krimeonites will surely in turn be most grateful for a newfound friendship in the Euirasian people, which reminds us of the tourism opportunities that will more than likely generate valuable source of income. In any case going back to your question, I do agree with the sentiment you're currently sharing with me. Domestic terrorism in all of its forms no matter how significant they are, should always be treated with utmost seriousness. We've seen it to be the death for many well-functioning, legitimate governments due to these extremist ideologies and of course we can't let it happen to Euirasia as well, including the sake of Ardia's stability and security overall. The Tsardom would be willing to offer the best possible training and consultation to your security services, as well as upgrading their overall weaponry and other equipment, if acceptable enough Your Excellency; that's what I can assure with full honesty." the Tsar said.

[Lakhzovia]

"That is most generous of you your Majesty. But we wonder what you seek from us in return? I know we have only lightly touched on the topic of economics, am I correct in assuming that there is some particular terms you desire in exchange?" asked the President.

"To add clarity to what President Mann is saying, We are looking in the economic sphere to re-gear our economy and trade regime in line with the general laws of comparative advantage. As such we are looking at reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers for certain sectors in such a way as to complement our partner's economic strengths. I believe my President is concerned that your generosity is aimed at concessionary opening of markets we sought to protect, such as our agricultural sector." interjected Prime Minister Ventham.

[The Young Pope]

"Of course, you have all the right and perogative to be cautious, especially towards a more economically powerful nation such as mine, and the risks involved by letting us influence the Euirasian markets. But let me thus once and for all reassure the Fine Statesmen gathered here today that Krimeon is absolutely no Imperialistic nation with some sort of hidden agenda, quite the contrary in fact. We would never try to cheat our way into the sanctum of those we consider to be trustworthy friends; Krimeon will only proceed if it's by your wish and nothing more, nothing less. I can assure you on my mother's grave if I had to." the Tsar said, hoping he would reassure them about the honesty and transparency that was being conveyed.