A Fruitful Relationship

[iKrolm]

[quote]To the Government of Sri Lanka,

You are cordially invited to send representation to Manila, Selenarctos to discuss the possibility of formalizing friendship and facilitate increased trade between our nations.

Sincerely,
Antonio Pilar, Second Director of the Economic Division[/quote]

[Lynneth]

[quote]To the Gov. of Selenarctos

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will travel with a delegation to Manila.
We are looking forward to the meeting.

With regards,
Sanath Pinnaduwa
Directorate of Foreign Relations[/quote]


Within the hour, the governmental plane with the PM and his retinue would take off Colombo's airport, flying towards Selenarctos and its capital Manila.

Edited October 6, 2010 by Lynneth

[iKrolm]

A terminal of Ninoy Aquino International Airport had been cleared for the Prime Minister's arrival and was occupied only a small honor guard, Second Economic Director Antonio Pilar and First Security Director Marcelo Bonifacio. Upon Ranil Wickremesinghe's entrance, the honor guard snapped to attention and the Ground Force captain whipped his bare Kampilan into a perfect salute, blade singing through the air. Director Antonio stepped forward and shook Wickremesinghe's hand warmly, "Welcome to Selenarctos, Prime Minsiter. Not long ago I was welcomed into Sri Lanka and now it is my pleasure to return the favor."

"Likewise Prime Minister, it's an honor," Director Bonifacio said, shaking hands.

[Lynneth]

"Thank you very much. The honour is all mine," replied Wickremesinghe, smiling at the two.
He briefly looked around to examine and admire the airport, then looking back at the two Selenarctan representatives. There wasn't much he could do right now except follow their lead.

[iKrolm]

A line of cars waited outside the Terminal to carry the Cochin delegation and the two directors to the Capital Building, where a meeting room had been prepared. Once everyone was comfortably seated, Antonio Pilar began. "Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, I'd like to once again welcome you to Selenarctos. We've asked for representation from Sri Lanka because we feel our countries could gain much from each other. As we speak, a Fusion Power Plant designed by Sri Lankan scientists and engineers is nearing completion just seventy-five kilometers or so east of where we sit. Earlier this year, our defense corporation signed a multi-hundred million coin deal with the Sri Lankan Army, and trade of commodities between our nations continues to grow. No doubt you already know this, but I hope through this meeting we can forge closer bonds to further stimulate trade and, if it would be acceptable, to develop a degree of military cooperation."

[Lynneth]

"Such bonds can only strengthen the relations between our two nations, and stimulate our economies. Any sort of treaty will benefit us all, though we would of course be open to a treaty for further military cooperation as well, in addition to economic clauses.
Please, tell me what you have in mind."

[iKrolm]

"I believe a mutual reduction in tariffs would be an excellent step. Both Sri Lanka and Selenarctos already maintain open waters to commercial vessels, but anything that could be done to reduce port usage fees and/or waiting times would further serve to encourage trade.

"As for military agreements, how you feel about the inclusion of non-agression and mutual defense clauses?"

[Lynneth]

"Both of your proposals seem sensible.
Reduction in tariffs would indeed ease the transfer of goods between our nations, while the non-aggression and defense clauses would most likely ensure that potentially hostile nations are deterred from attacking us, simply because of the economic and military power of both of our nations together.

I believe the President and Parliament would agree with me if I say that I would gladly sign such a treaty with you," said the smiling Prime Minister.

[iKrolm]

I've had a treaty drafted, if it meets your approval we can proceed with signatures:

[quote][size=3]A Mutual Defense Pact between Selenarctos and Sri Lanka[/size]

[b]Preamble:[/b]
In the spirit of mutual friendship and economic bonds, the nations of Selenarctos and Sri Lanka do hereby enter into the following agreement;


[b]Article I:[/b] Sovereignty and Non-Aggression

Both signatories agree to respect the sovereign territory, waters and laws of the other. Furthermore, neither signatory shall take action to undermine the authority of the other, and both shall refrain from making hostile actions against each other.


[b]Article II:[/b] Intelligence

Should information pertaining to a credible threat against one signatory become known to the other signatory, they are obliged to share said information.


[b]Article III:[/b] Mutual Defense

In the event that a third party commits an unprovoked hostile action against one signatory, it shall be treated as a hostile action against both signatories and dealt with as such.


[b]Article IV:[/b] Trade

Both signatories agree to a mutual reduction of tariffs and to enact measures to promote trade between each other.


[b]Article V:[/b] Sunset

In the event that one signatory wishes to withdraw from this agreement, it shall provide notice (OOC: 64 hours) in advance.


[b]Signed for Selenarctos,[/b]
[i]Antonio Pilar[/i], Second Director of the Economic Division
[i]Marcelo Bonifacio[/i], First Director of the Security Division


[b]Signed for the Republic of Sri Lanka,[/b]
[i]Ranil Wickremesinghe[/i], Prime Minister
[i]Mahinda Rajapaksa[/i], President

[/quote]


Also, we believe it would be beneficial to open an embassy in Sri Lanka if you would care to open one in Selenarctos.

Edited October 10, 2010 by iKrolm

[Lynneth]

Wickremesinghe read through the document, finding it to be good'.
"The President will send his signature later today, to fully verify the treaty's validity."

[b]Signed for the Republic of Sri Lanka,[/b]
Ranil Wickremesinghe, [i]Prime Minister [/i]



Later, the following would be added.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, [i]President[/i]

[iKrolm]

The treaty was also signed for Selenarctos. "Excellent, as it appears our work here is concluded transportation will be provided to wherever you wish to go, and I hope you enjoy the remainder of your stay in Selenarctos."

[Lynneth]

"I'll spend a few days here in Manila, visit a few sights, I guess. I've almost a week free for the time being, I suppose we expected negotiations to take longer.
Ah, well. Free time is nice, too. And thank you very much for providing transport."

With this, the PM would leave, to do what he had said he'd do: Visit the city.

Edited October 10, 2010 by Lynneth