A neighbourly visit

[Shan Revan]

It had long been a desire of Luc Francis, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade to establish a stronger relationship with one of their largest regional neighbours, Cochin. Being a middle power nestled between three super-powers was at times a little awkward but it had a lot of benefits and the biggest one was economic. For some time now there had been moderate border trade between the two nations, but little in the way of official interaction since the nascent days of the nation.

"It's about damn time" Thomas thought to himself as his street-car took a corner and the small embassy RdlL maintained within Cochin came into view. He had a busy week ahead of him, several meetings with government officials, a few publicity sessions and several minor speeches to try and promote tourism and trade to local businessmen. Upon arriving at the embassy and enjoying a light dinner, he confirmed his meeting and rested for the evening.

---

Arising early in the morning as was routine, he prepared for the big day ahead of him. A short trip in the street-car later, he was waiting in a small reception area for the meeting he was about to attend with the Cochinese Officials and wondered if the task ahead of him would be difficult, or if perhaps his proposals would be received well.

[king of cochin]

KP Varma, the Minister of External Affairs of the Kingdom of Cochin had only arrived early that morning from Tripunithura where the King was staying for the while. The meeting had been hastily arranged but no hardships were spared by the veteran diplomat as he arrived in time at the Embassy of Royaume de la Lumiere in the Embassy Row in Cochin City. Meeting with his counterpart, KP Varma would greet him thus, "Good morning Mr. Francis. Pardon me for my tardiness, it had been quite a harrowing week for me. So how may I serve you?"

[Shan Revan]

OOC: I thought I was coming to meet you? It's all good let's just go from here.
IC:

Extending his hand and giving a firm handshake, he replied,
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Monsieur Varma, I am most grateful to be meeting you on such short notice. I understand you have only just returned from Tripunithura, I hope the treap was pleasant. Please, have a seat, make yourself comfortable." Francis motioned towards the chair.

"I feel we have unfortunately neglected one of our largest neighbours until now, with our strong internal focus on building a modern nation where there was little. I do hope that our priorities caused no insult through our inaction." He smiled and cleared his throat gently. "Regardless, I am here to correct that now as I have wished to do so for some time. I see a lot of value in a positive relationship with your nation and believe we have much to offer each other."
Pausing for a moment, he removed several documents from his desk draw.

"As you are no doubt aware, there is already some border trade between our two nations that has helped grow the local economies on our side and I hope on your side as well. However at present such trade is stymied by difficulties in importing and exporting goods between our two nations. We believe that it is in our mutual interests to see trade increased substantially and would therefore like to propose a preferential trade agreement and remove unnecessary restrictions to increase overall trade. Unfortunately we can not agree to remove all restrictions. As you are no doubt aware, we are but a middle power and several key sections of our economy would be unable to compete with your superpower's economy, but such restrictions are few and far between."

Pausing again, an assistant entered and offered the men drinks.

Ordering a refreshing a lemon, lime and bitters, he continued after Varma had ordered.

"It's not just that however. I believe there is a multitude of areas we can cooperate on for our mutual benefit. Rather than waffle on, I will just show you the proposal I am here to make. I'm sure you will be smart enough to understand the benefits it offers, but I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have."

Taking the document he recently removed, he handed it to the Minister of External Affairs and sat back and waited quietly. Meanwhile, the assistant returned and placed their drinks carefully on the table.

[quote]Cochin-Lumière Trade, Culture and Security Treaty.

Recognising the long historical ties of both regions, economically, socially, spiritually and culturally, and the mutual desire for positive relations to the benefit of all, the nations of La Royaume de la Lumière and the Kingdom of Cochin agree to sign into action the following terms.

1. Trade
The undersigned nations agree to remove restrictions on trade where ever possible. However noting that it is important to maintain a national industrial base, and that to do so some protection may be required, signatories are entitled to tariffs on no more than 15% of goods at their discretion.

Recognising the potential for the unwanted spread of diseases and illicit goods through the increased trade, that may cause significant damage to agriculture, industry, intellectual property and general health, both nations agree to adhere to strict quarantine and customs standards to prevent such damage.

2. Copyright
Noting that both nations have a wealth of intellectual properties and a long history of innovation, participants of this treaty hereby recognise and respect the respective trademarks, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property laws and regulations of each nation.

3. Security
Understanding that criminals and terrorists sometimes operate across international borders, the undersigned parties agree to cooperate on criminal and anti-terror investigations where appropriate. Additionally, agree to extradite captured individuals who have committed serious offences in the other's nation where they will be tried fairly. Extradited citizens may not receive a death penalty in either nation, however this does not apply to nationals of non-signatories who may be captured.

Both signatories agree to cooperate in investigating, monitoring, policing and preventing extremism and terrorism in both nations. Individuals charged with treason may be held for up to 12 months, on consent of the citizen's government, without trial.

4. Assistance
Recognising the natural and man-made forces sometimes at play within the region, both parties agree to assist each other in the event of a national disaster, be it natural or otherwise to the best of their abilities, within reason. Assistance may take the form of monetary, subsistence (food, water), material (clothing, shelter, etc.), disaster workers and specialists, aid volunteers or even military assistance, as appropriate.

5. Cultural exchange
Aware of the rich cultural history both nations have to offer, this treaty establishes a foundation for cultural exchange with the goal of enriching each through sharing. This exchange will establish a means for the sharing of language, history, culture, art and music between the two nations. Recognising the geographic proximity and physical borders, this treaty establishes a specific visa for nationals of both nations to enter, study, and work abroad in each others nation for up to two years with minimal restrictions.

6. Regional Stability and Defence.
The participants of this treaty recognise the importance of regional stability and the role each nation plays in it. As a result all parties agree to cooperate as appropriate in maintaining the peace of the region, to curb unwanted outside influences, and to encourage the development and prosperity of the region. Finally, signatories may, with the other's consent, assist in defending the sovereignty of both nations, or assist in in offensive actions that protect the region. Such military assistance is not an obligation of the treaty and may be upheld at each signatory's discretion. It is however encouraged.

Signed

[/quote]

[king of cochin]

"It is a rather comprehensive document that you have drawn up, Mr. Francis. The codicils of this agreement seem quite favorable to me. I would however need to consult with His Highness Kerala Varma, the King of Cochin before officially agreeing to this. So please pardon me, I need to make the call," KP Varma would say before leaving the VIP Boardroom of the Hotel Grand Majestic in Cochin City.

The Minister would walk to an adjacent suite and initiate the communication link with the King of Cochin. Since the King is on his space tour the synchronization would take a bit more time.

After around 20 minutes of conversation with the King, KP Varma would return to the boardroom and reply to the RdlL Minister, "Mr. Francis, the Kingdom is honored to sign this agreement with the Royaume de la Lumiere. I have talked to the King of Cochin and he is favorable to this treaty and suggested that the transportation infrastructure should be the first thing to be modified between our nations. I have been authorized to sign the treaty document on the King's behalf."

[Shan Revan]

"I'm very pleased to hear that. Yes I agree,we should have our transport ministers get together and investigate the possibility of connecting our highways and rail lines if possible. I believe this is the start of what will be a very fruitful and lucritive relationship and very pleased to meet with you."

Removing a fountain pen from his breast pocket, he signed the document and then returned them to Varma.

After the document was signed, he would raise his glass and give a toast to their new friendship.

[quote][b]Cochin-Lumière Trade, Culture and Security Treaty[/b]

Recognising the long historical ties of both regions, economically, socially, spiritually and culturally, and the mutual desire for positive relations to the benefit of all, the nations of La Royaume de la Lumière and the Kingdom of Cochin agree to sign into action the following terms.

1. Trade
The undersigned nations agree to remove restrictions on trade where ever possible. However noting that it is important to maintain a national industrial base, and that to do so some protection may be required, signatories are entitled to tariffs on no more than 15% of goods at their discretion.

Recognising the potential for the unwanted spread of diseases and illicit goods through the increased trade, that may cause significant damage to agriculture, industry, intellectual property and general health, both nations agree to adhere to strict quarantine and customs standards to prevent such damage.

2. Copyright
Noting that both nations have a wealth of intellectual properties and a long history of innovation, participants of this treaty hereby recognise and respect the respective trademarks, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property laws and regulations of each nation.

3. Security
Understanding that criminals and terrorists sometimes operate across international borders, the undersigned parties agree to cooperate on criminal and anti-terror investigations where appropriate. Additionally, agree to extradite captured individuals who have committed serious offences in the other's nation where they will be tried fairly. Extradited citizens may not receive a death penalty in either nation, however this does not apply to nationals of non-signatories who may be captured.

Both signatories agree to cooperate in investigating, monitoring, policing and preventing extremism and terrorism in both nations. Individuals charged with treason may be held for up to 12 months, on consent of the citizen's government, without trial.

4. Assistance
Recognising the natural and man-made forces sometimes at play within the region, both parties agree to assist each other in the event of a national disaster, be it natural or otherwise to the best of their abilities, within reason. Assistance may take the form of monetary, subsistence (food, water), material (clothing, shelter, etc.), disaster workers and specialists, aid volunteers or even military assistance, as appropriate.

5. Cultural exchange
Aware of the rich cultural history both nations have to offer, this treaty establishes a foundation for cultural exchange with the goal of enriching each through sharing. This exchange will establish a means for the sharing of language, history, culture, art and music between the two nations. Recognising the geographic proximity and physical borders, this treaty establishes a specific visa for nationals of both nations to enter, study, and work abroad in each others nation for up to two years with minimal restrictions.

6. Regional Stability and Defence.
The participants of this treaty recognise the importance of regional stability and the role each nation plays in it. As a result all parties agree to cooperate as appropriate in maintaining the peace of the region, to curb unwanted outside influences, and to encourage the development and prosperity of the region. Finally, signatories may, with the other's consent, assist in defending the sovereignty of both nations, or assist in in offensive actions that protect the region. Such military assistance is not an obligation of the treaty and may be upheld at each signatory's discretion. It is however encouraged.


[b]Signed on the behalf of la Royaume de la Lumière [/b]


[size="4"]Luc Francis[/size]
[i]Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade[/i]

[b]Signed on the behalf of the Kingdom of Cochin[/b]


[/quote]


OOC: Size 4 name, italicised title.

[king of cochin]

[quote]Sd,

KP Varma,
Minister of External Affairs

on behalf of

His Highness Kerala Varma,
The King of Cochin[/quote]

Having signed the treaty document KP Varma said, "Honored to sign this treaty with your nation, Mr. Francis. I shall request our Minister of Transportation Mrs. Andrea Stephen to get in touch with her counterpart in your nation. We shall strive to make this treaty come to fruition as early as possible."

[Shan Revan]

OOC:
Posting this here incase you want to add it to a factbook or something.

[b]Cochin-Lumière Trade, Culture and Security Treaty[/b]
[quote name='Shan Revan' timestamp='1314700637' post='2790923']
[b]Cochin-Lumière Trade, Culture and Security Treaty[/b]

Recognising the long historical ties of both regions, economically, socially, spiritually and culturally, and the mutual desire for positive relations to the benefit of all, the nations of La Royaume de la Lumière and the Kingdom of Cochin agree to sign into action the following terms.

1. Trade
The undersigned nations agree to remove restrictions on trade where ever possible. However noting that it is important to maintain a national industrial base, and that to do so some protection may be required, signatories are entitled to tariffs on no more than 15% of goods at their discretion.

Recognising the potential for the unwanted spread of diseases and illicit goods through the increased trade, that may cause significant damage to agriculture, industry, intellectual property and general health, both nations agree to adhere to strict quarantine and customs standards to prevent such damage.

2. Copyright
Noting that both nations have a wealth of intellectual properties and a long history of innovation, participants of this treaty hereby recognise and respect the respective trademarks, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property laws and regulations of each nation.

3. Security
Understanding that criminals and terrorists sometimes operate across international borders, the undersigned parties agree to cooperate on criminal and anti-terror investigations where appropriate. Additionally, agree to extradite captured individuals who have committed serious offences in the other's nation where they will be tried fairly. Extradited citizens may not receive a death penalty in either nation, however this does not apply to nationals of non-signatories who may be captured.

Both signatories agree to cooperate in investigating, monitoring, policing and preventing extremism and terrorism in both nations. Individuals charged with terrorism may be held for up to 12 months, on consent of the citizen's government, without trial.

4. Assistance
Recognising the natural and man-made forces sometimes at play within the region, both parties agree to assist each other in the event of a national disaster, be it natural or otherwise to the best of their abilities, within reason. Assistance may take the form of monetary, subsistence (food, water), material (clothing, shelter, etc.), disaster workers and specialists, aid volunteers or even military assistance, as appropriate.

5. Cultural exchange
Aware of the rich cultural history both nations have to offer, this treaty establishes a foundation for cultural exchange with the goal of enriching each through sharing. This exchange will establish a means for the sharing of language, history, culture, art and music between the two nations. Recognising the geographic proximity and physical borders, this treaty establishes a specific visa for nationals of both nations to enter, study, and work abroad in each others nation for up to two years with minimal restrictions.

6. Regional Stability and Defence.
The participants of this treaty recognise the importance of regional stability and the role each nation plays in it. As a result all parties agree to cooperate as appropriate in maintaining the peace of the region, to curb unwanted outside influences, and to encourage the development and prosperity of the region. Finally, signatories may, with the other's consent, assist in defending the sovereignty of both nations, or assist in in offensive actions that protect the region. Such military assistance is not an obligation of the treaty and may be upheld at each signatory's discretion. It is however encouraged.


[b]Signed on the behalf of la Royaume de la Lumière [/b]

[size="4"]Luc Francis[/size]
[i]Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade[/i]

on behalf of

[size="4"]Arsene Moreau[/size]
[i]His Royal Majesty, Roi du Royaume de la Lumiere[/i]

[b]Signed on the behalf of the Kingdom of Cochin[/b]

[size="4"]KP Varma,[/size]
[i]Minister of External Affairs[/i]

on behalf of

[size="4"]His Highness Kerala Varma[/size]
[i]The King of Cochin[/i]
[/quote]

[code]
[b]Cochin-Lumière Trade, Culture and Security Treaty[/b]
[quote name='Shan Revan' timestamp='1314700637' post='2790923']
[b]Cochin-Lumière Trade, Culture and Security Treaty[/b]

Recognising the long historical ties of both regions, economically, socially, spiritually and culturally, and the mutual desire for positive relations to the benefit of all, the nations of La Royaume de la Lumière and the Kingdom of Cochin agree to sign into action the following terms.

1. Trade
The undersigned nations agree to remove restrictions on trade where ever possible. However noting that it is important to maintain a national industrial base, and that to do so some protection may be required, signatories are entitled to tariffs on no more than 15% of goods at their discretion.

Recognising the potential for the unwanted spread of diseases and illicit goods through the increased trade, that may cause significant damage to agriculture, industry, intellectual property and general health, both nations agree to adhere to strict quarantine and customs standards to prevent such damage.

2. Copyright
Noting that both nations have a wealth of intellectual properties and a long history of innovation, participants of this treaty hereby recognise and respect the respective trademarks, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property laws and regulations of each nation.

3. Security
Understanding that criminals and terrorists sometimes operate across international borders, the undersigned parties agree to cooperate on criminal and anti-terror investigations where appropriate. Additionally, agree to extradite captured individuals who have committed serious offences in the other's nation where they will be tried fairly. Extradited citizens may not receive a death penalty in either nation, however this does not apply to nationals of non-signatories who may be captured.

Both signatories agree to cooperate in investigating, monitoring, policing and preventing extremism and terrorism in both nations. Individuals charged with terrorism may be held for up to 12 months, on consent of the citizen's government, without trial.

4. Assistance
Recognising the natural and man-made forces sometimes at play within the region, both parties agree to assist each other in the event of a national disaster, be it natural or otherwise to the best of their abilities, within reason. Assistance may take the form of monetary, subsistence (food, water), material (clothing, shelter, etc.), disaster workers and specialists, aid volunteers or even military assistance, as appropriate.

5. Cultural exchange
Aware of the rich cultural history both nations have to offer, this treaty establishes a foundation for cultural exchange with the goal of enriching each through sharing. This exchange will establish a means for the sharing of language, history, culture, art and music between the two nations. Recognising the geographic proximity and physical borders, this treaty establishes a specific visa for nationals of both nations to enter, study, and work abroad in each others nation for up to two years with minimal restrictions.

6. Regional Stability and Defence.
The participants of this treaty recognise the importance of regional stability and the role each nation plays in it. As a result all parties agree to cooperate as appropriate in maintaining the peace of the region, to curb unwanted outside influences, and to encourage the development and prosperity of the region. Finally, signatories may, with the other's consent, assist in defending the sovereignty of both nations, or assist in in offensive actions that protect the region. Such military assistance is not an obligation of the treaty and may be upheld at each signatory's discretion. It is however encouraged.


[b]Signed on the behalf of la Royaume de la Lumière [/b]

[size="4"]Luc Francis[/size]
[i]Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade[/i]

on behalf of

[size="4"]Arsene Moreau[/size]
[i]His Royal Majesty, Roi du Royaume de la Lumiere[/i]

[b]Signed on the behalf of the Kingdom of Cochin[/b]

[size="4"]KP Varma,[/size]
[i]Minister of External Affairs[/i]

on behalf of

[size="4"]His Highness Kerala Varma[/size]
[i]The King of Cochin[/i]
[/code]

Edited August 30, 2011 by Shan Revan