Multifaceted Sisters - Krimeon & Gowu

[The Young Pope]

To:- Chief Councilor Xiaoling Tsu

On behalf of His Highness Prince Rodrigo Gough, it is firmly held in belief that it would be in the best interests if the independent entities of Krimeon and Gowu were to establish a deeper bond in this modern age. Our cities' histories may vary, but what we lack in common, our similarities at the same time outweighs them: Both cities are among the greatest in Mundus when it comes to the financial aspects but also show clear and strong evidence that multiculturalism, if handled correctly, can contribute to a prosperous and fruitful society and as such both Krimeon and Gowu are arguably the most diverse cities when it comes to religions, ethnicities and languages. Finally, both cities act as a stabilizing force in the eastern and southern parts of this dynamic continent.

This is why in this message of invitation for future talks, Krimeon envisions a closer connection in terms of significant economic and cultural Exchange bewteen our entities, the possibility of helping to contribute aid in times of crisis, as well as other ideas that may be brought forth, of any time and location of your choosing. We hope Gowu is willing to accept this call for mutual dialogue and contribute to a future that can only mean for the greater good.

Elize Berenberg
Prime Minister of the Principality of Krimeon

[Achkaerin]

To: Prime Minister Elize Berenberg

It would be our pleasure to host you for discussions in Gowu if you are agreeable and hopefully we can arrange for you to see as much of our city as you can during your time here, we'll arrange for you to be accommodated at the Ruby Meadows Hotel during your stay.

Signed

Chief Councillor Xiaoling Tsu

[The Young Pope]

Prime Minister Berenberg was under a considerable amount of public scrutiny and political pressure, from both the opposition, her coalition allies and the Prince himself, to say the least. What began as an interesting way of showing commitment towards the war on terrorism by seemingly at first agreeing on the same plan as their Cascadian counterparts, suddenly shifted into the Achkaerinese agenda of handling the Gungnir matter. Whatever the causes may have been for changing the measures, it nonetheless sparked debate back at home what the Principality was trying to accomplish and at what cost? This was something that troubled the Prime Minister's mind as her jet soured through the sky and was expecting to approach Gowu International Airport where her arrival was to be expected by their hosts.

With many ideas to be put forth, she hoped that it would be possible to set up a direct link with Emperor Peter Azurewind, even if the focus originally was on Gowu, though the international scenery compelled the Krimeonite leadership to act flexible as much as possible. Besides co-operation with Achkaerinese authorities, The Achkaerinese idea of an Inter Faith Forum sounded equally appealing and could possibly speculate where it would be headquartered if such an idea sprung into reality.

"Good Day, Prime Minister Elize Berenberg, a pleasure to finally see and experience your beautiful city, and looking forward to be conducting fruitful business with thee." she greeted, shaking hands with whoever welcoming the Krimeonite delegation.

[Achkaerin]

The responsibility for welcoming the visitors had been delegated to the Councillor for Home Affairs Aika Riiko, she'd built a pretty strong reputation in the city and was viewed as the most likely successor to the current Chief Councillor should the circumstances requiring that ever materialize. Aika wasn't sure how to gauge the Krimeonite visitor, this being the first official contact between the two states, she was also mindful that as days went these were busy ones in Gowu for a few reasons one of which being why the Chief Councillor wasn't standing there.

"Prime Minister." Aika said "Welcome to Gowu, the Chief Councillor apologizes for her absence but this is the least busy time in a rather busy period, which is why I'm here. Aika Riiko Councillor of Home Affairs." she smiled "If you'd like to come with me we're on a bit of a tight schedule."

[The Young Pope]

"Aren't we all a bit busy these dats, Councillor Riiko?" Berenberg said with a smile, "On a serious note, apologies if the timing's rather unfortunate given the current state Mundus is currently in, with terrorist attacks and heads of states dropping like flies here and there, but on the other hand both of us wouldn't be standing here right now, shaking hands in front of the cameras, in the hopes that both Krimeon and Gowu could be onto something, for the greater good, no?" the Prime Minister explained further, as she and Councillor Riiko started to probably walk towards their escort vehicle.

Berenberg felt rather at home, gazing at the marvel of skyscrapers donning the city scape. "So it's possible as planned that Emperor Peter's willing to have a telephone conference, to discuss matters that are above Gowu's authority, yes?"

[Achkaerin]

"We have our reasons for inviting you here today." Aika said, she led the Krimeon PM to the car and once they were on their way into the city from the airport she smiled, the city wasn't called Achkaerin's Ardian Jewel for nothing, it was also probably the most multicultural city on Mundus and that was a badge that all of the leaders in Gowu took pride in "Normally no one picks a busy time such as this for hosting a visit from an international figure such as yourself, unless of course it provides an opportunity."

The car continued into the city before stopping outside the Queen's Art Gallery, the car park despite normally being busy was fuller than normal that day, Aika led Berenberg inside.

"Welcome to the Queen's Art Gallery." Aika said "It's the most modern art gallery in Achkaerinese territory but also the largest art collection you'll find in an Achkaerinese gallery. Normally this is the realm of tourists and art connoisseurs, but today is a little bit special. Every year the University of Gowu's art department awards the Artisan Prize to one of its students, the prize gives the winner an exhibition in this gallery for a year."

Aika indicated where there was a gathering of the University's art students, press and some others including the Chief Councillor of Gowu Xiaoling Tsu and her husband Carson Tsu standing around a piece of art underneath a red sheet. The Head of the Art department Dr Mason clapped his hands together to get the gatherings attention.

"Ladies and Gentlemen may I present this years winner of the Artisan Prize, Kirsty Tsu." Mason said, at this point a rather embarrassed Kirsty stepped up and pulled the sheet off the art, it was a sculpture of essentially a rock with five female figures on it each with weapons and such, the Five Queen's. It was an appropriate piece to win the prize with and a year long exhibition of her other work would only be more helpful to get her started.

"That's the Chief Councillor's daughter. You'll get to meet the family a little later" Aika said to Berenberg as the pair watched Kirsty get jumped on by her girlfriend Claire Callaghan "Now you're probably wondering why you're here, well the answer is in that room over there." she pointed towards a black door that had a security guard outside it before leading Berenberg over to it, the guard nodded and opened the door allowing the Prime Minister entry into the room.

The room was one of the gallery's private rooms used mainly by the CETO when they wanted to authenticate a piece of artwork but today standing there looking at some pieces of art was the man Berenberg had wanted to talk to the Emperor Peter Azurewind, he'd been in attendance because he was Kirsty's godfather.

"Prime Minister Berenberg" Peter said as the door shut the Prime Minister "I understand you wish to talk."   

[The Young Pope]

"Oh, Emperor Peter, I have to admit that this was a bit of a surprise for me, to say the least, but am honored by your presence." She greeted, approaching him and giving a firm hand shake. Naturally Berenberg was relieved and glad that the Emperor had the time to make his way to Gowu, which would make the communication easier and more sincere ratner than a screen diving them both. "Your goddaughter truly beautiful and talented when it comes to the art of painting, I'm sure His Imperial Majesty is more than proud enough to see her achievements being recognised by a noble institution, I know I would anyway." she began with the praises before playing a serious note.

As both Berenberg and Azurewind sat down, she continued. Normally this would be an optimal occasion to discuss the ways we could improve our nations ties; culturally speaking, we were blessed enough for your talented music composers to play in front of the Tsar and his Family, centuries ago, and how much it spurred the development of our own musical scenery. Aside from this positive note on history and notions of diplomatic improvement, what I actually wished to delve into is the current crisis plauging certain parts of Mundus; We got for example the situation between the aftermath of the Phuebran Crisis, RS and the Celtic Protectorate, Tamora and Slava with the standard Rokkenjiman involvement which frankly causes quite the confusion as to how one should interpet it all, and of course we shouldn't forget the Nordic Pagan terrorists murdering Christians. Achkaerin is involved in these conflicts in one way or the other, and Krimeon wants to contribute to a peaceful ending for all of these. Which brings to the topic of the ways Krimeon can help Achkaerin and her friends, and vice versa." she paused.

"Quite a few conflicts to go into more specific details, am aware, but I wouldn't be this deesperate if it weren't for the time pressure we're currently facing and the fact that we recently submitted our candidacy to CSU membership which your nations holds a prestigious position witihin. I also wouldn't normally reveal this but I'm also soon going to reliquish my role as Prime Minister or Chairman of the National Government out of personal reasons, and thus simply would like to assure thee that whoever my successor will be, is never going to abandon whatever we agree upon as we speak, on my parent's grave if I dear swear." she ended.

[Achkaerin]

Peter had to smile he didn't get to see Kirsty as much as he'd like thanks to an increasingly demanding schedule at the moment but despite all of that there was no way he was going to have missed today, there would have needed to be a very extraordinary turn of events for him not to see Kirsty get her moment.

"You speak of conflicts but I don't see that many of them." Peter said "Phuebra is no longer a warzone, it's on the path to rebuilding, hopefully to unity and with the support of the international community it will get there, what's needed there is a strong consolidated plan that maintains it's security and prevents another civil war happening while also enabling Phuebra to re-establish itself as a nation. The Gungnir are a terrorist group and I trust Nya Aland to be able to deal with them I have said of course that if Nya Aland wants assistance in dealing with them we are happy to provide such assistance.

Midaranye is a powderkeg, the history is complicated and such but ultimately it's about three nations and several different concerns in different situations, forty million held in slavery in Tamora, 10,000 in detention camps in Slava Lavosk, a food shortage in Royal Seleucid that could become a second Cultist genocide. It's not a situation with a lot of room to move in but we do our best. If you want to talk specifics we can do that but it's a complex situation with no easy solutions."

[The Young Pope]

"I suppose we have a different way to view reality my good Emperor, three volatile conflicts are too many to exist in our eyes." Berenberg said. "As for Phuebra and NÅ, we've given the former a considerable amount of financial aid distributed to the official NGOs of Mundus capable of dealing with crisis such as theirs, as for NÅ we've done the same and offered assistance if need be and only by their desire. Once more my stated aim is to try and see whether we can widen Achkarinese-Krimeonite cooperation further, such as how the relations function between your country and that of Vaguzia, which is on the positive side of the spectrum."

[Achkaerin]

"If you think it's three volatile conflicts then you're mistaken as it presently stands Prime Minister." Peter said "It's been a while since Tamora's Supreme Ayatollah called for the Jihad yet to date it hasn't materialized, am I concerned that it might still happen? Of course I am, but with every day that goes by and it doesn't happen is another day closer to being able to handle the Midaranye situation in general in a much more appropriate manner. My concern in that area is of course mainly the situation of the food crisis in Royal Seleucid, that is the situation that is presently most likely to spring up into a conflict situation.

Now you want to talk about expanding cooperation between our nations, getting anywhere near the level of relationship that Achkaerin has with Vaguzia is not going to happen overnight it is going to take time. Just look at Achkaerin's five biggest international partnerships - East Moreland, Seaforth, Vaguzia, Revana and Rokkenjima each of these relationships is founded upon years of diplomacy, I'm happy to discuss such foundations with you but you do need to bear in mind that to get the relationship to appear to imply that you wish to have will take time to develop."

[The Young Pope]

"Of course, it's the same procedure whenever there's interest to build and form a relationship of sorts, whether it's between people or countries. This is the reason why I propose to thee a proposed treaty between our nations that will be the first stepping stone." she said showing it to him. "These clauses are so far preliminary naturally, and thus I would welcome His Majesty to simply voice any opinion to add, remove etc." the Prime Minister said.

Spoiler: show

Treaty of Friendship and Coperation Between the Tsardom of Krimeon and the Holy Empire of Achkaerin

Section I - Diplomacy

(1) The parties agree to maintain active embassies with each other. If summoned an ambassador shall present themselves to the host government within twenty four hours of the summons.

(2) Either party may request a twelve hour extension upon receipt of the summons should a level of seniority be required due to the issue concerned.

(3) The parties declare that they shall act in a spirit of friendship and cooperation with a view to further developing and fostering economic and cultural intercourse with one another, each adhering to the principle of respect for the independence and sovereignty of the other and non-interference in their internal affairs.

(4) Should disputes or conflicts arise between the High Contracting Parties over problems of one kind or another, both parties shall settle these disputes or conflicts exclusively through friendly exchange of opinion or, if necessary, through the establishment of arbitration commissions.

(5) The parties shall allow citizens of the other nation to apply for a fast track visas aiding in travel between the two nations for purpose of trade, recreation, and business. These visas shall be available to anyone who meets the following criteria

(a) Has a stay lasting no longer than 90 days
(b) Has a return ticket
(c) Is able to fund the duration of their stay.
(d) Has no criminal record
(e) Is not deemed a threat to national security.
(f) All requirements have been fulfilled in accordance to local laws and procedures when conducting trade and/or business.

(6) The parties agree to the establishment of a system of extradition for persons accused of crimes in one country to the jurisdiction of the other. No extradition shall take place until compelling evidence has been presented and the country who would be granting extradition is satisfied that Articles four and seven of the Mundus Convention of Universal Rights will be met.

Section II - Trade

(7) The parties pledge to trade fairly with each other and to respect the lawful commerce of each party.

( Neither of the parties shall create taxes, limits, bans, or quotas on the goods or services of the other party on basis of their origin from the other party, with exception to such taxes, limits, bans, or quotas created by international organizations of which the parties are members thereof.

(9) The parties recognize the right of free commercial navigation through the waters and airspace of the other party, with adherence to local laws and procedures.

Section III - Defence and Security

(10) Both parties shall desist from any act of violence, any aggressive action, and any attack on each other, either individually or jointly with other powers. With the exception of other existing mandates.

(11) An armed attack on one party shall be considered an attack on both parties.

(12) The parties agree to share military intelligence that is believed to be in the interest of the safety and security of the other, so long as doing so does not compromise the safety or security of themselves.

(13) The parties shall take part in an annual naval, aerial, and military training exercise between their respective armed forces.

(14) The parties agree to an annual officer exchange between their armed forces to promote co-operation between their armed forces.

(15) In the interest of security and mutual defense the two parties give permission and access to military vessels through each of the other High Contracting Party's territorial waters under the following conditions

(a) An official communique shall be sent to the other Party's High Command as to the reason why military vessels are entering territorial waters.
(b) Prior to entering territorial waters a naval route, compliment, and plan shall be sent. Vessels shall not deviate from planned routes unless requested by the other party or it is in response to a SOS call.
(c) Neither of the two parties shall conduct military maneuvers in the others Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) without prior authorization.
(d) Continual communication shall be maintained while military vessels of one party are within the territorial waters of the other.
(e) The vessels shall at all times except where otherwise explicitly accounted for act in accordance with the Fair Seas Concordat.

Section IV - Special Agreements

(16) There shall be an annual sporting event held between the two nations in the sport of Football

Section IV - Miscellaneous

(17) This treaty shall be in force until either party withdraws from it. After which the treaty shall cease to be in force ninety days after notice is given. Notice shall be given in writing.

(18) The present treaty shall be ratified within the shortest possible time. The agreement shall enter into force as soon as it is signed by both parties.

"I specifically highlighted the section dealing with defene and sceuirty, as we believe that it wouldn't be relevant and too early for the relationship as it is now, unless our Achaerinese counterpart thinks differently on that regard." she added.

[Achkaerin]

"Well both article four and article six need work." Peter said "And I would highly recommend employing legal representatives that don't charge by the word. Article four should in my view read as follows:

(4) Should disputes or conflicts arise between the Parties and they are unable to resolve them through communication channels then they agree to resolve the matter through third party arbitration.

Additionally article six is problematic because while it correctly recognizes two of the principal concerns in such matters that of torture and a fair trial it would set Achkaerin against its own standing policy. Achkaerin does not and will not extradite to the death penalty and that should be made clear so the article should read -

(6) The parties agree to extradite persons accused of crimes in one country to the jurisdiction of the other. No extradition shall take place until compelling evidence has been presented and the country who would be granting extradition is satisfied that Articles four and seven of the Mundus Convention of Universal Rights will be met. There shall be no obligation to extradite to the death penalty.

That I believe is where we stand, but I am conscious that I know very little of your nation and committing to a treaty with a nation I don't know is something more akin to a leap of faith than a reasoned decision, so I'd like to suggest a way of overcoming that. The terms as they stand are satisfactory to both of us I think obviously we'll leave out the defence stuff because you are correct we don't know each other that well and frankly no one signs up to a mutual defence clause at a first contact meeting. So what I suggest is this should we sign this treaty I'd be looking for someone to visit your nation to get a feel for the place, see if there are other areas we can develop a relationship in."

[The Young Pope]

Spoiler: show

Treaty of Friendship and Coperation Between the Tsardom of Krimeon and the Holy Empire of Achkaerin

Section I - Diplomacy

(1) The parties agree to maintain active embassies with each other. If summoned an ambassador shall present themselves to the host government within twenty four hours of the summons.

(2) Either party may request a twelve hour extension upon receipt of the summons should a level of seniority be required due to the issue concerned.

(3) The parties declare that they shall act in a spirit of friendship and cooperation with a view to further developing and fostering economic and cultural intercourse with one another, each adhering to the principle of respect for the independence and sovereignty of the other and non-interference in their internal affairs.

(4) Should disputes or conflicts arise between the Parties and they are unable to resolve them through communication channels then they agree to resolve the matter through third party arbitration.

(5) The parties shall allow citizens of the other nation to apply for a fast track visas aiding in travel between the two nations for purpose of trade, recreation, and business. These visas shall be available to anyone who meets the following criteria

(a) Has a stay lasting no longer than 90 days
(b) Has a return ticket
(c) Is able to fund the duration of their stay.
(d) Has no criminal record
(e) Is not deemed a threat to national security.
(f) All requirements have been fulfilled in accordance to local laws and procedures when conducting trade and/or business.

(6) The parties agree to extradite persons accused of crimes in one country to the jurisdiction of the other. No extradition shall take place until compelling evidence has been presented and the country who would be granting extradition is satisfied that Articles four and seven of the Mundus Convention of Universal Rights will be met. There shall be no obligation to extradite to the death penalty.

Section II - Trade

(7) The parties pledge to trade fairly with each other and to respect the lawful commerce of each party.

( Neither of the parties shall create taxes, limits, bans, or quotas on the goods or services of the other party on basis of their origin from the other party, with exception to such taxes, limits, bans, or quotas created by international organizations of which the parties are members thereof.

(9) The parties recognize the right of free commercial navigation through the waters and airspace of the other party, with adherence to local laws and procedures.

Section III - Special Agreements

(10) There shall be an annual sporting event held between the two nations in the sport of Football

Section IV - Miscellaneous

(11) This treaty shall be in force until either party withdraws from it. After which the treaty shall cease to be in force ninety days after notice is given. Notice shall be given in writing.

(12) The present treaty shall be ratified within the shortest possible time. The agreement shall enter into force as soon as it is signed by both parties.

"There we go...Unless you'd like to change the type of annual sporting event and add more articles in the Special Agreements, we can can consider this to be acceptable for both parties; this of course needs to pass through the Federal Assembly back home and I assume it needs to be done as well in Achkaerin, though it'll more than likely be acceptable, I'm sure of it.

Whoever you send to our country is welcome to do so at any given time, and we would like to possibly as well in the future." Berenberg replied.

[Achkaerin]

"We'll see what the Achkaerinese Senate has to say before putting pen to paper." Peter said "When we have an official visit to Krimeon we'll hand a finalized version of this ovr to you." he tapped the piece of paper, he knew it was likely that the Senate would want to make some changes but that wasn't a matter for discussion today "Now I don't believe you came here to talk to me Prime Minister at least not in the primary objective sense. You came here to talk to Xiaoling so do you want to talk to me about anything else or should I let you get back to your trip around Gowu?"

[The Young Pope]

"Truthfully told, unless there's something my good Emperor wishes to bring up further." she paused smiling, "I believe we're done for today and it's about time to continue discussions with Xiaoling. I would just like to take the opportunity to thank His Majesty once more for willing to initiate fruitful talks with me about Krimeonite-Achkaerinese relations; hopefully it'll bloom into the grandest flower it could possibly become, as long as trust and faith is shown between us." the Prime Minister ended and stretched out her hand for a shake.