An East Moreland Request to TUNA

[DaveIronside]

To the governments of the TUNA nations

In 2015 the nation of East Moreland signed a trade deal with the Cross Straits Union that at the time was one of the largest trade deals signed in the history of Mundus. This was as part of our policy to allow the East Moreland market to be regulated but also open to as many nations as possible while at the same time providing East Moreland based companies to access markets overseas. With this in mind many agreements signed by our nation have seen a reducation in tariffs and barriers of entry for products. In the hope of continuing what has been a mutually beneficial policy we would like to discuss a similar arrangement with the TUNA nations. We already have strong trading partnerships with the Lodjains via the CNN, Dartfordia through our CSU deal and Bakkermaya through MICA, however these are developments I'd like to safe guard against by having a separate agreement with your organisation.

If it is an acceptable propersition I would like to attend a meeting between your organisation and ourselves to come to an arrangement that will prove positive for all parties involved.

May The Gods Watch Over You and Your Nation Know Peace
Edward Tamana
Foreign Minister

[RobertAgira]

The Six Dukedoms of Bakkermaya believe that this proposition is an interesting one and as such should be pursued. We believe our fellow TUNA member nations should support these talks and bring about further prosperity to our island homes.

Signed

Grand Duke Hugo Lascelles.

[Libby]

Lodja approves this message

[Paracambi]

Paracambi approves this message too

Just need a green light from Dartfordia

[CGJ]

Dartfordia approves and welcomes greater engagement and trade with East Moreland.

[RobertAgira]

To: His Majesty King David III of East Moreland

I am delighted to inform you that the members of TUNA have agreed to meet with you to discuss a potential trade deal. As such I would like to invite you to Edwinstowe at your earliest convenience to discuss this matter. I however understand the delicate Ironside family situation and obviously understand should a representative of His Majesty be sent instead. We wish Princess Rhiannon a full and speedy recovery.

May The Gods Watch Over You and Your Family Be Strong.

Grand Duke Hugo Lascelles.

[Paracambi]

The Paracambian Foreign Minister, Winston Shaw, arrived in Wellow for the discussions. It was the first time he'd visited Bakkermaya and found it rather odd that the talks to do a deal between the island organisation and East Moreland were taking place on the mainland of Bakkermaya, it did seem rather weird but the Bakkermayan closeness to the Morelanders probably meant the talks would be best served here. He was hopeful of a good deal. The Morelanders had many fingers in many pies, had a rather wealthier society than Paracambi and an economy more diversified towards services and hi tech manufacturing, Paracambi's largely agricultural and mineral extraction base could compliment them well. He hung around waiting for the hosts to arrive.

[RobertAgira]

Grand Duke Hugo Lascelles was looking forward to this visit, it'd be a chance to raise the profile of his nation by acting as a bridge between the TUNA nations and his friends in East Moreland. He would have liked another chance to meet King David but it was understandable that the monarch wouldn't be attending. As such he was relieved that the Paracambians had turned up, it would make the negotiations process much easier if all nations arrived and joined the discussions. He greeted Foreign Minister Shaw with a warm handshake and invited him inside the airport terminal while they waited for the others to arrive.

[DaveIronside]

With King David being indisposed it was left to the Prime Minister, Henrietta Quinn to attend the meeting. She'd brought with her the Foreign Minister Edward Tamana as back up and the pair arrived looking forward to meeting with the TUNA nations. They naturally expected to get on well with the Bakkermayans, the Lodjains as well should be fine but so far they had no idea who was representing them. It was the unknowns of Paracambi and Muneski that would be the worry. After arriving they made their way to the airport terminal and exchanged greetings with the others. "His Majesty King David sends his apology for not attending personally. He doesn't want you to think he doesn't value and appreciate this opportunity, however as I am sure you are aware he has fatherly duties to attend to at present." Henrietta explained. "He has given me leave to negotiate fully on his behalf and I'm hopeful that we can formulate a mutually beneficial agreement."

[Paracambi]

Winston was keen to get down to business. "From our view a partnership between TUNA and East Moreland is one that is likely to be mutually beneficial for all parties. It is my understanding that trade agreements between East Moreland and Lodja already exist and that I believe a deal exists between East Moreland and Bakkermaya. If that is the case then these negotiations can perhaps be rather short lived. In terms of what we are seeking the Empire of Paracambi wishes this to be an economics and travel based agreement. We have no wish for this to venture into the realms of matters I've seen nations include in other agreements. We also are determined that any deal here does not extend via way of a backdoor to the CNN, despite if successful two of the four members will be represented. Our economy is one that we believe will compliment the East Moreland one well, your a mainly manufacturing nations and we are a nation primarily concerned with material extraction and agriculture. Any agreement we put in place I wish to see take advantage of that. With those red lines in place perhaps we should start looking at how best to start this meeting off."

[DaveIronside]

Tamana thought things over for a moment. "I believe that an agreement which fulfills those criteria can be achieved." Edward concluded. "Therefore as a template might I suggest that we use the East Moreland agreement with the Cross Straits Union." Edward rummaged around in his briefcase for a moment and took out a copy of a revised version of that document and handed it over to the delegates from the other nations.

The Kingdom of East Moreland and the signatory nations of the Treaty Union of the Nations of the Alucard (TUNA) resolved to:

STRENGTHEN the bonds of friendship and cooperation among their nations;

CONTRIBUTE to the harmonious development and expansion of world trade and provide a catalyst to broader international cooperation;

CREATE an expanded and secure market for the goods and services produced in their territories;

REDUCE distortions to trade;

ESTABLISH clear and mutually advantageous rules governing their trade;

ENSURE a predictable commercial framework for business planning and investment;

ENHANCE the competitiveness of their firms in global markets;

FOSTER creativity and innovation, and promote trade in goods and services that are the subject of intellectual property rights;

CREATE new employment opportunities and improve working conditions and living standards in their respective territories;

UNDERTAKE each of the preceding in a manner consistent with environmental protection and conservation;

PRESERVE their flexibility to safeguard the public welfare;

PROMOTE sustainable development;

STRENGTHEN the development and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations; and

PROTECT, enhance and enforce basic workers' rights;

HAVE AGREED as follows:


Objectives

1. The Parties to this Agreement hereby establish a free trade area.

2. The objectives of this agreement are to;

a) eliminate barriers to trade in, and facilitate the cross-border movement of, goods and services between the territories of the Parties;

b) promote conditions of fair competition in the free trade area;

c) increase substantially investment opportunities in the territories of the Parties;

d) provide adequate and effective protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in each Party's territory;

e) create effective procedures for the implementation and application of this Agreement, for its joint administration and for the resolution of disputes; and

f) establish a framework for further regional and multilateral cooperation to expand and enhance the benefits of this Agreement.

3. The Parties shall interpret and apply the provisions of this Agreement in the light of its objectives set out in paragraph 1 and in accordance with applicable rules of international law.

Relation to other agreements

4. The Parties affirm their existing rights and obligations with respect to other agreements to which such Parties are party.

5. The Parties shall ensure that all necessary measures are taken in order to give effect to the provisions of this Agreement, including their observance, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, by state and provincial governments.

Provisions

6. No Party may increase any existing customs duty, or adopt any customs duty, on an originating good.

7. Each Party shall progressively eliminate its customs duties on originating goods so that within 24 months of the signing of this agreement all goods shall be duty free.

8. Each Party shall grant duty-free temporary admission for:

a) professional equipment necessary for carrying out the business activity, trade or profession of a business person who qualifies for temporary entry pursuant to national laws on admission.

b) equipment for the press or for sound or television broadcasting and cinematographic equipment,

c) goods imported for sports purposes and goods intended for display or demonstration, and

d) commercial samples and advertising films,

9. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, no Party may condition the duty-free temporary admission of a good , other than to require that such good:

a) be imported by a national or resident of another Party who seeks temporary entry;

b) be used solely by or under the personal supervision of such person in the exercise of the business activity, trade or profession of that person;

c) not be sold or leased while in its territory;

d) be capable of identification when exported;

e) be exported on the departure of that person or within such other period of time as is reasonably related to the purpose of the temporary admission; and

f) be imported in no greater quantity than is reasonable for its intended use.

10. With regards to vehicles and containers the Parties agree that;

a) each Party shall allow a vehicle or container used in international traffic that enters its territory from the territory of another Party to exit its territory on any route that is reasonably related to the economic and prompt departure of such vehicle or container;

b) no Party may require any bond or impose any penalty or charge solely by reason of any difference between the port of entry and the port of departure of a vehicle or container;

c) no Party may condition the release of any obligation, including any bond, that it imposes in respect of the entry of a vehicle or container into its territory on its exit through any particular port of departure; and

d) no Party may require that the vehicle or carrier bringing a container from the territory of another Party into its territory be the same vehicle or carrier that takes such container to the territory of another Party.

11. No Party may apply a customs duty to a good, regardless of its origin, that re enters its territory after that good has been exported from its territory to the territory of another Party for repair or alteration, regardless of whether such repair or alteration could be performed in its territory.

12. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, no Party may adopt or maintain any prohibition or restriction on the importation of any good of another Party or on the exportation or sale for export of any good destined for the territory of another Party so far as such importation complies with local laws.

13. Each Party may require that a Certificate of Origin for a good imported into its territory be completed in a language required under its law.

14. Each Party shall require an exporter in its territory to complete and sign a Certificate of Origin for any exportation of a good for which an importer may claim preferential tariff treatment on importation of the good into the territory of another Party.

15. Each Party agrees that it will not engage in the practice of dumping goods, this shall be defined as "the export a product to another country at a price either below the price charged in its home market or below its cost of production."

16. Companies may operate in the territory of any of the Parties as long as they comply with local employment , environmental and health and safety laws.

17. Each Party agrees to protect the intellectual property of companies or individuals registered in the territory of the other Party.

18. Any nation  admitted into TUNA following the signing of this agreement will be bound by this agreement. Any nation leaving TUNA will no longer be bound to or entitled to the provisions of this agreement.

19. The Parties may agree on any modification of or addition to this Agreement.

20. When so agreed, and approved in accordance with the applicable legal procedures of each Party, a modification or addition shall constitute an integral part of this Agreement.

21. This Agreement shall enter into force on 30 days after being signed by representatives of each Party.

22. A Party may withdraw from this Agreement six months after it provides written notice of withdrawal to the other Party

23. The officially sanctioned texts of this Agreement are equally authentic.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.

On behalf of the Kingdom of East Morleand ___________________________
On behalf of the TUNA _________________________________

[Paracambi]

"The treaty your offering is one that I believe ensures that our concerns are addressed. The treaty would appear to ensure that the agreement remains one between TUNA and East Moreland rather than opening our markets to the whole of the CNN. We also believe that it puts enough balances in place to ensure that it is fair. One thing that I don't see on the treaty that I would like to maybe consider is the relaxing of visas. The Paracambi tourist industry is one we're hoping to promote and opening our nation up to make travel easier is one we'd like to see. It would also help our own people if they can visit nations such as East Moreland and promote this easier than at present. I believe East Moreland has several visa agreements with other nations? Is this something we can perhaps include?"

[RobertAgira]

"Bakkermaya supports this proposal and supports the Paracambian proposals."

[Libby]

"Lodja support these ideas"

[DaveIronside]

"In regards to visa requirements I think we can arrange something." Tamana thought. "What I suggest is the following that we create an electronic visa. Visitors who intend to spend 30 days or less in any East Moreland, or in a TUNA nation must acquire one at least ten days before they travel. We can have it set up so that it essentially can do the leg work for us. It would be granted automatically to anyone with no criminal record and not on any watchlist. The traveller must also be liable upon arrival to provide proof of an ability to fund their stay. Naturally they would not be permitted to have a right to work while visiting. I think this EM-TUNA or TUNA-EM E-Visa would fulfil what you require and allow us to maintain a security concerns."

[BenOfTheIwi]

The Iwi have no problem with this suggestion as we already have in place arrangements regarding visas as part of the CNN.

[RobertAgira]

Bakkermaya believes that the East Moreland proposal is acceptable.

[Paracambi]

The Kingdom of East Moreland and the signatory nations of the Treaty Union of the Nations of the Alucard (TUNA) resolved to:

STRENGTHEN the bonds of friendship and cooperation among their nations;

CONTRIBUTE to the harmonious development and expansion of world trade and provide a catalyst to broader international cooperation;

CREATE an expanded and secure market for the goods and services produced in their territories;

REDUCE distortions to trade;

ESTABLISH clear and mutually advantageous rules governing their trade;

ENSURE a predictable commercial framework for business planning and investment;

ENHANCE the competitiveness of their firms in global markets;

FOSTER creativity and innovation, and promote trade in goods and services that are the subject of intellectual property rights;

CREATE new employment opportunities and improve working conditions and living standards in their respective territories;

UNDERTAKE each of the preceding in a manner consistent with environmental protection and conservation;

PRESERVE their flexibility to safeguard the public welfare;

PROMOTE sustainable development;

STRENGTHEN the development and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations; and

PROTECT, enhance and enforce basic workers' rights;

HAVE AGREED as follows:


Objectives

1. The Parties to this Agreement hereby establish a free trade area.

2. The objectives of this agreement are to;

a) eliminate barriers to trade in, and facilitate the cross-border movement of, goods and services between the territories of the Parties;

b) promote conditions of fair competition in the free trade area;

c) increase substantially investment opportunities in the territories of the Parties;

d) provide adequate and effective protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in each Party's territory;

e) create effective procedures for the implementation and application of this Agreement, for its joint administration and for the resolution of disputes; and

f) establish a framework for further regional and multilateral cooperation to expand and enhance the benefits of this Agreement.

3. The Parties shall interpret and apply the provisions of this Agreement in the light of its objectives set out in paragraph 1 and in accordance with applicable rules of international law.

Relation to other agreements

4. The Parties affirm their existing rights and obligations with respect to other agreements to which such Parties are party.

5. The Parties shall ensure that all necessary measures are taken in order to give effect to the provisions of this Agreement, including their observance, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, by state and provincial governments.

Provisions

6. No Party may increase any existing customs duty, or adopt any customs duty, on an originating good.

7. Each Party shall progressively eliminate its customs duties on originating goods so that within 24 months of the signing of this agreement all goods shall be duty free.

8. Each Party shall grant duty-free temporary admission for:

a) professional equipment necessary for carrying out the business activity, trade or profession of a business person who qualifies for temporary entry pursuant to national laws on admission.

b) equipment for the press or for sound or television broadcasting and cinematographic equipment,

c) goods imported for sports purposes and goods intended for display or demonstration, and

d) commercial samples and advertising films,

9. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, no Party may condition the duty-free temporary admission of a good , other than to require that such good:

a) be imported by a national or resident of another Party who seeks temporary entry;

b) be used solely by or under the personal supervision of such person in the exercise of the business activity, trade or profession of that person;

c) not be sold or leased while in its territory;

d) be capable of identification when exported;

e) be exported on the departure of that person or within such other period of time as is reasonably related to the purpose of the temporary admission; and

f) be imported in no greater quantity than is reasonable for its intended use.

10. With regards to vehicles and containers the Parties agree that;

a) each Party shall allow a vehicle or container used in international traffic that enters its territory from the territory of another Party to exit its territory on any route that is reasonably related to the economic and prompt departure of such vehicle or container;

b) no Party may require any bond or impose any penalty or charge solely by reason of any difference between the port of entry and the port of departure of a vehicle or container;

c) no Party may condition the release of any obligation, including any bond, that it imposes in respect of the entry of a vehicle or container into its territory on its exit through any particular port of departure; and

d) no Party may require that the vehicle or carrier bringing a container from the territory of another Party into its territory be the same vehicle or carrier that takes such container to the territory of another Party.

11. No Party may apply a customs duty to a good, regardless of its origin, that re enters its territory after that good has been exported from its territory to the territory of another Party for repair or alteration, regardless of whether such repair or alteration could be performed in its territory.

12. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, no Party may adopt or maintain any prohibition or restriction on the importation of any good of another Party or on the exportation or sale for export of any good destined for the territory of another Party so far as such importation complies with local laws.

13. Each Party may require that a Certificate of Origin for a good imported into its territory be completed in a language required under its law.

14. Each Party shall require an exporter in its territory to complete and sign a Certificate of Origin for any exportation of a good for which an importer may claim preferential tariff treatment on importation of the good into the territory of another Party.

15. Each Party agrees that it will not engage in the practice of dumping goods, this shall be defined as "the export a product to another country at a price either below the price charged in its home market or below its cost of production."

16. Companies may operate in the territory of any of the Parties as long as they comply with local employment , environmental and health and safety laws.

17. Each Party agrees to protect the intellectual property of companies or individuals registered in the territory of the other Party.

18. Nations agree to establish a system of electronic visas. These shall be accessible for anyone spending less than 30 days in another nation and must be submitted 10 days in advance. Visas shall be granted so long as the following criteria are meet.

a) The traveller has no criminal convictions
b) The traveller has no reason to be considered a security risk.
c) The traveller has sufficient funds to cover their stay
d) The traveller has a valid return ticket.

18. Any nation  admitted into TUNA following the signing of this agreement will be bound by this agreement. Any nation leaving TUNA will no longer be bound to or entitled to the provisions of this agreement.

19. The Parties may agree on any modification of or addition to this Agreement.

20. When so agreed, and approved in accordance with the applicable legal procedures of each Party, a modification or addition shall constitute an integral part of this Agreement.

21. This Agreement shall enter into force on 30 days after being signed by representatives of each Party.

22. A Party may withdraw from this Agreement six months after it provides written notice of withdrawal to the other Party

23. The officially sanctioned texts of this Agreement are equally authentic.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.

On behalf of the Kingdom of East Morleand ___________________________
On behalf of the TUNA _________________________________

"Very well then we have the treaty amended and ready to sign."

[DaveIronside]

East Moreland is willing to sign.

[RobertAgira]

Bakkermaya would be happen to sign

[Libby]

Lodja says yes

[CGJ]

Dartfordia is happy to sign.

[RobertAgira]

The balcony overlooking the city of Edwinstowe had been chosen for the venue for the official signing. The Grand Duke had the flags of each TUNA nation arranged to his left while the flag of East Moreland flew to his right. A long thin table stood in the ground between them and behind were stands for the five different nations flags. In chalk on the floor so only the delegates could read them were the initials of the nation. A man wearing a polished silver breastplate and blue tunic underneath, a equally gleaming helmet with white horsetail style plume cresting it. The Horseman of Jekar placed a series of folders containing the treaty down and then when a fanfare played the various representatives stepped out as each was announced and the media got their snap shot of each person walking past the row of flags.

Grand Duke Hugo Lascelles was the first to step up and smiled as he signed each of the books in turn. "Today I'm delighted to have put into practice the next step in what I hope are many that will allow the Alucard nations to flourish. Today we have given ourselves an opportunity to work with a major global economy, a friend and a nation that is capable of supporting the aims of TUNA. It is my hope that this is the first of many such agreements we can make regarding our trading block. I thank the representatives here from the TUNA nations and His Majesty King David for working towards making this agreement a reality."

[DaveIronside]

OOC- Its Foreign Minister Edward Tamana and not the King there.


Edward had waited nervously by the laptop waiting for confirmation from Northfort. It wasn't long in coming and then Edward started to get nervous, he'd never signed a treaty on behalf of his nation before and he actually felt rather proud. He made his way outside to where the signing was due to take place and waited for the Grand Duke to sign the agreement before making his own way towards the document. He signed his name as elegantly as he could and then wrote underneath it, "On behalf of His Majesty King David." before shaking hands with Grand Duke Lascelles and taking his place next to him on the opposite side.

[Paracambi]

Winston Shaw the Foreign Minister of Paracambi was next to sign the document. He affixed his own name and then like Tamana added "On behalf of the Emperor Benson" and then joined Lascelles and Tamana.

[CGJ]

The Dartfordian Foreign Secretary was next to sign, on behalf of His Majesty’s Government, before joining the entourage.

[Libby]

Lodja signs, thus full house