Courting the Old Breed

[TheShammySocialist]

With an overnight spent in Asuncion on board the Airbus, it would be early in the morning, shortly after the President awoke for the day, that the South African airliner would depart for Para, the most senior member of the South American community. Sipping on coffee from a local source in Paraguay, Adolph Paton and his chief of staff would convene in his office as the airliner climbed to a suitable altitude before cruising north across the Amazon Basin. Heading for Northern South America, and their last stop in the New World before heading to the Far East, no word had been heard from the Europeans, but he did not concern himself with a lack of invitation from them.

 

"I think that once my term as presidency ends, I will request being transferred as an ambassador to one of the South American nations, for the coffee alone," sighed Paton, as he stirred some milk into his cup.

 

"I certainly can see why," murmured Zawilza, as he held his cup in his large hands and blew into the dark swirling, steaming liquid.

 

"So what do we know of Para, as my memory recollects, they are the most senior member of the South American community."

 

"Yes, they are 'the old breed' in this region, so to speak, they might not be the most vocal or the leader of the regional community, but that does not make their opinion or insight worth any less," responded Zawilza, as he consulted a Foreign Service briefing. "I believe to court Para would certainly be in our interests, regionally, they are stable and have seen many neighbors come and go. They could prove both a lucrative export and import partner, investors like stable, Mr. President."

 

"As I am quite aware," nodded Paton, as he folded an arm over his chest, and leaned back in his chair, looking out the window as the Airbus tore through the sky for the Paranese city of Castanhal.

[Lestari]

Castanhal was by all regards a small town-- a quiet little place that lay comfortably along the eastern coast of Pará, where its populace enjoyed an idyllic existence as though forgotten by the passage of time and the chaotic machinations of the world beyond. Among tourists it knew little reputation, and it was often overlooked in favour of the larger, more affluent cities that dotted the coastline, each resplendent with a lively day life, a gleaming night life, and modern attractions to satisfy any visitor, from deeper within Pará and from nations beyond. No such influx of tourism had homely little Castanhal ever known.

 

Perhaps it was for this reason Premier Isabel Vieira held the town with such high regard-- considered it a retreat from the day to day business of Amazônia, from the hectic pandemonium that seemed to dominate the world beyond Castanhal. Perhaps for that same reason was it that Isabel opted often to host foreign delegations here in this coastal sanctum: lacking though it was in the grand sights offered by the capitol, or by other larger metropolitan cities, Castanhal compensated with a simplistic, picturesque beauty-- the quiet sublimity of nature that spoke in a voice much grander and much more majestic than any of man's ephemeral feats of engineering and architecture. Every head of state needed a retreat from the pandemonium that all too easily swallows up the life of one tasked with overseeing and guiding an entire nation, Isabel felt-- and in that respect, she had Castanhal.

 

The premier was there, waiting, at the tarmac of a small airport located not far from the town, watching as the plane that bore the South African president and his delegation descended from the skies and touched down, coming to a halt before Isabel and the car that was to bear them into Castanhal, to the coast. Not long after, the flight staircase unfurled, and provided a bridge on which President Adolph Paton and his delegation could descend to the approaching premier.

 

"Good afternoon, President Paton, Mr. Zawilza," Isabel greeted him pleasantly, extending a hand first to him, and then to the man she marked to be the South African Chief of Staff, Roland Zawilza. "Welcome to Castanhal, and to Pará."

Edited April 1, 2013 by dotCom

[TheShammySocialist]

Unlike most of his destinations before, Adolph Paton would notice that the airport they were coming into was certainly not attached to a huge city, and he tagged this already as something unique that he had yet to see in his rather extensive travels. The pilots of the huge A380 would err on the side of caution as the airliner came in at almost a stall speed to the small airport, taking the gambit that they wouldn't have to do a "touch and go", as the runways ran shorter than most of the ones they were used to. The pilots would smoothly bring the aircraft down however, and it would soon taxi around to the tarmac with the assistance of a ground vehicle.

 

Adjusting his sport coat, and taking a relaxed posture, Adolph Paton and Zawilza, along with a couple of aides, would descend the debarkation staircase, smiling pleasantly at the Premier as he approached, who extended him a greeting. "Well met, Premier Vieira, a pleasure to make your acquaintance," he said, with a firm handshake. "I daresay this is probably the first time I haven't been greeted with a bustling metropolis as a backdrop."

 

"Thank you for your indulgence, Ms. Vieira, Roland Zawilza, Presidential Chief of Staff," nodded Zawilza, shaking her hand firmly as well.

[Lestari]

"Well met, Premier Vieira," President Paton replied, reciprocating the handshake firmly. "A pleasure to make your acquiantance.  I daresay this is probably the first time I haven't been greeted with a bustling metropolis as a backdrop."

 

"I suspected as much," Isabel smiled good-naturedly. "If you'll forgive the presumption, I felt you might appreciate a break from the cityscape for a while. I know I certainly do. That said, shall we go on? This car--" She gestured to the simple silver automobile not far behind, large enough for herself and the South African delegation. "-- will bear us towards the coast, where we can sit down, talk, and perhaps enjoy a cup of erva-mate chá."

OOC: Sorry for the short responce, didn't have much time. Enough, hopefully, to keep things rolling.

[TheShammySocialist]

"The cityscape and the country both have their pros and cons, Premier, but I think I will certainly appreciate this presumption," responded Adolph, in a light tone as he followed the Paranese premier towards a simple silver car that was parked nearby. "Yes, yes of course," he would respond to her query about getting moving to their final destination.

 

"The plan you put forth certainly agrees with me," nodded Adolph, allowing an aide to open the door for them, and letting the Premier slip in first.

 

"Especially if there is a stiff drink involved, after that last flight," added Zawilza, as he slipped into the car along with Adolph.

[Lestari]

As its passengers seated themselves comfortably within, the car departed the little airport, eventually finding itself on the road that led to the town of Castanhal, not far ahead. The car eventually emerged out onto a road that ran along a bluff overlooking the beach and the flawless azure waves that lapped at the flaxen sands, and the cool chill of the sea, tinged with its characteristic scent, filtered into the car through the half-opened windows.

 

"You'll have to forgive me for asking a question that's undoubtedly been put to you in every country you've visited..." Isabel reluctantly shattered a sublime silence, looking to the two South Africans with a vague smile pulling at the corners of her lips, though it was fleeting. "How has South Africa fared?" And sure enough, as the jocund tones faded from her voice, so too did her expression (though there was always, it seemed, a hint of that laid-back insouciance lurking there-- simply an indispensable aspect of her mannerism, one supposed). "It's my admittedly paltry understanding that the Mozambique region is experiencing a certain discord in the wake of South Africa's independence."

Isabel had sought, to be sure, to glean at the very least an adequate understanding of the status of post-independence South Africa in the time preceding the arrival of President Paton. This meeting with the South African head of state, though certainly not destined to be the site of major political discussion, was not only to set the tone for future Paráense - South African relations, but it also marked the first real foray of the Republic into international politics. It was not a secret that Pará's foreign policy since its inception had been predominantly South American-centric, and even then, for an extensive period through the middle of the Republic's life its foreign policy perhaps merited the term of isolationism. But that was not a state of affairs Isabel would tolerate for long. The Republic was at last freeing itself of its demons-- the phantoms of overpopulation and intermittent poverty that had long haunted Pará, standing as stubborn obstacles to the premier's efforts. Now, the Republic of Pará was ready to assert itself, in South America and across the globe, as a player on the international economic and diplomatic stage. And this first meeting with South Africa, an encounter certainly valuable in and of itself, was to be the first step in that bigger picture.

[TheShammySocialist]

Settling into the car as it departed the airport, both Adolph and Zawilza appeared to content being off the plane, and the former even moved to open his window wider as they emerged onto the coastline, taking in the smell, the sights, and the fresh air of the South American coastline. It was pretty evident that Adolph was enjoying being outside of a metropolitan area for the meeting, and his attention seemed to be drawn to the views offered by the drive that they were taking.

 

When his reverie was broken by the Premier's question, his attention seemed to snap directly back onto her, and fielding a polite and measured response to her query. "South Africa has had mixed fortunes since its independence, we've experienced some economic progress despite labor disputes between unions and labor leaders, and corporate executives. That has mostly died down due to both groups losing support due to the disputes fueling what is happening in Mozambique," responded Adolph.

 

"Mozambique is a case of labor groups fighting for my rights, having their cause hijacked, and transformed into militancy by a local homegrown group of militant socialism. While Mr. Paton's Union Party supports some left wing ideals that include market controls and state-planned economics to ensure the best for our people, the people that rose in Mozambique, are looking to capitalize on the labor instability, and they have. Unfortunately that has led to bloodshed and local disorder, the military is doing its best, but its still a skeleton force of what is due to become eventually," added Zawilza, emphasizing his expressions with hand gestures when he wanted to make a point.

 

"Might I float the same question to you, Premier, how does Para fare in this world? Do you have any political goals you are pushing for at this time?" asked Adolph, giving the South American leader a genuine look of interest in his expression.

[Lestari]

"South Africa has had mixed fortunes since its independence," Paton answered as the car approached the designated meeting area at a leisurely pace. "we've experienced some economic progress despite labor disputes between unions and labor leaders, and corporate executives. That has mostly died down due to both groups losing support due to the disputes fueling what is happening in Mozambique."

 

Isabel said nothing as the president paused, interested in hearing more about the case of Mozambique; however, it was Chief of Staff Zawilza who elabourated on the answer, articulating with colourful gestures of his hands as he spoke. "Mozambique is a case of labor groups fighting for my rights, having their cause hijacked, and transformed into militancy by a local homegrown group of militant socialism. While Mr. Paton's Union Party supports some left wing ideals that include market controls and state-planned economics to ensure the best for our people, the people that rose in Mozambique are looking to capitalize on the labor instability, and they have. Unfortunately that has led to bloodshed and local disorder-- the military is doing its best, but it's still a skeleton force of what is due to become eventually."

 

"I'm sorry to hear you've met such an obstacle so early in your nation's existence," Isabel replied, expression largely impartial but tone tinged with an appropriate degree of understanding and perhaps even condolence. "That some would seek to sabotage a newborn nation's progress rather than seek a rational, peaceful compromise is... shameful." And she fell silent, until Paton reciprocated the question. "Might I float the same question to you, Premier-- how does Pará fare in this world? Do you have any political goals you are pushing for at this time?"

 

"Pará continues to grow, economically and otherwise, at a steady rate," Isabel answered. "Poverty and unemployment rates are at an all time low, the economy is booming, and the space programme, which has been the focus of much funding and attention in Pará, is proving quite successful. These are all, of course, internal developments, and Pará has regrettably seen something of an isolationist phase in regards to its foreign policy. I'm breaking that practice now, and seeking to establish Pará as a potential player internationally by opening up relations with countries beyond South America."

 

The car continued down a gentle incline towards the beach, where lay a structure-- something like a villa, one could suppose, though it certainly lacked the grandeur and size to accommodate such a term. It did, however, like much of Castanhal's general aesthetic, eschew grandeur for a simpler elegance. Therein would be waiting a small table, exposed to the sea air, with a number of chairs surrounding it. The premier vanished briefly from the small alcove the South Africans had been brought to, overlooking the coastline and, not far along the coast, Castanhal itself, returning only a moment later with cups of warm erva-mate tea, which she brought before Paton and Zawilza. "Mate tea has a long tradition in Brazilian cultures, and Pará in particular," she said by way of brief explanation, as she too seated herself. "I hope you'll find it agreeable."

That having been said... "I must say, I was most glad to see an independent South Africa return to Africa, which has seen much turmoil as of late. South Africa has traditionally been home to stalwart bastions of stability-- Transvaal and Arctica, namely, which remained generally peaceful and stable excepting their sudden and unexpected downfalls. Hopefully the return of an independent South Africa can bring some stability to a war-plagued continent."

[TheShammySocialist]

Paton and Zawilza both looked encouraged and appreciative of Isabel's condolences that she bestowed upon them in response to speaking on the Mozambique crisis. Paton would nod lightly, "The crisis has led to some constructive moves within the labor disputes though, as both sides are generally being blamed for the bloodshed. Its a roundabout way of finding some compromise, and one that I would never condone, but it is a positive movement that I can be appreciative nonetheless."

 

When Isabel responded to Paton's query of the status of her nation, the South Africans appeared to be attentive to his answers closely, and they would nod as she accentuated any points. "It is certainly a positive thing to hear of your nation being able to overcome overpopulation and steadily develop a respectable and flourishing economy, indeed," noted Zawilza, leveling a reply to her response. "Stability, both socially and economically, are something that South Africa certainly looks for in any international partners."

 

He would cut off any further response to Isabel's statement as they arrived at their destination, a villa of modest standing, it might have appeared quaint to many, but for Paton, it didn't. The South African, who had been treated to a number of glorious and possibly overwhelming meeting venues, it seemed like a comfortable place to have a constructive discussion. They would follow the premier to a well-appointed table that overlooked the coastline on the structure's back patio, and the two would have a seat as the Premier herself went to gather the tea for them, serving the cups of steaming liquid before finding a seat for herself.

 

"As an avid tea drinker, Premier, I'm always up for sampling a cup of tea from another locale in the world," said Paton, who would use the appointed straw that stuck out of the cup to take a slurp of the bitter liquid that warmed his insides. In response to her statement on seemingly being glad that South Africa had returned, he would nod lightly, "We are hoping that the resurgence of a South African state has a positive effect on Africa. We look forward to building on a tradition of stability that has been left for us by others, but also building on that to expand our horizons beyond the continent."

 

"South Africa is relatively far-separated from other nations in the world, by the continent of Africa itself, or by water, but on that same token, we accept the world as it is today. Fast seaborne and airborne transport and technology makes this world closer than it has ever been before, and we embrace that reality well. We are hoping not only to build a strong and lasting regional commitment, but also one that spans across the globe, extending a hand of friendship to those that share similar economic and social ambitions and ideas," he continued, as he took another sip of the mate, and looked at Zawilza, before adding, "It seems that you share similar ideas from your desire to push outwards from relative isolation and regional politics in South America."

 

"South America is also an up-and-coming continent that has massive potential for economic growth, and a strong sense of social grace and understanding, and is also a neighbor to the continent. The affairs of the South Atlantic are shared ones between countries like our own," nodded Zawilza, as he took a sip of his own cup.

[Lestari]

"We are hoping the resurgence of a South African state has a positive effect on Africa," Paton remarked, drinking of the cup of erva-mate briefly before he spoke. "We look forward to building on a tradition of stability that has been left for us by others, but also building on that to expand our horizons beyond the continent. South Africa is relatively far-separated from other nations in the world, by the continent of Africa itself, or by water, but on that same token, we accept the world as it is today. Fast seaborne and airborne transport and technology makes this world closer than it has ever been before, and we embrace that reality well. We are hoping not only to build a strong and lasting regional commitment, but also one that spans across the globe, extending a hand of friendship to those that share similar economic and social ambitions and ideas."

 

The president and his chief of staff shared a glance before he added, "It seems that you share similar ideas from your desire to push outwards from relative isolation and regional politics in South America."

 

Isabel nodded. "That is true. It is my intent to create in Pará an active participant in the ongoing globalisation of the world-- as you've said, it's easier to build relations with nations and leaders who share one's own ambitions for their country, their continent, the world. Previously I had been concerned largely with South America-- with seeking to forge a continent of unity and peace, the better to discourage a return of the spectre of the Holy American Empire... which, as you may know, reappeared just a couple of years ago in a civil war that tore apart the Umbrella Commonwealth." She did well to keep a cool head and expression in speaking of that distressing incident, but the mere thought of a wide-scale movement actually [I]desiring[/I] a return to that system was every bit as vexing as it had been then, and the consideration of it conjured the essence of a scowl pulling at the corners of her thin lips. "That, however, as with all things claimed by the Empire, ended only in tragedy."
 

"Today," she continued. "The atmosphere in South America is such that we can look to a promising future beyond the continent's borders as well. A reborn South Africa certainly caught our eye; as has been said, whether it was known as Transvaal or as Arctica, the region of South Africa has historically been a bulwark of stability and peace, and I don't doubt you intend to live up to that reputation. I felt, therefore, South Africa and Pará would perhaps have much to offer one another-- we are both, after all, fairly recent additions to the annals of international history, and seeking to establish ourselves in those pages. Economically speaking, Pará offers much in the way of raw materiels-- iron, bauxite, manganese, zinc, tungsten-- much of it mined from the Carajás Mountains, which in the last year produced over two hundred and fifty million metric tons of iron alone. Though..." She paused for a moment as a wry smile pulled at her lips. "I've always felt economic bonds are pittances to bonds of ideology and intent-- which is why sooner than I would ask what earthly materiels Pará and South Africa can offer one another, I would ask what South Africa's vision for itself is-- what its vision for, as you've said, the South Atlantic as a whole is, what its vision for its place in the world is." Isabel fell silent then, drinking of her own cup of tea as she contentedly awaited the reply of the South Africans.

[TheShammySocialist]

"As I am quite aware of the history of many nations that sought to overtake this continent into one unitary state," nodded Paton, thoughtfully, seemingly able to read the Premier's train of thought on the matter. "The tendency for instability of an almost-unitary South American nation once they reach the peak of development has indeed vexed the continent Para inhabits. I daresay that I hope that no such incident occurs again, the disastrous fall of the Holy American Empire was tragic enough. The failure of Umbrella in its wake only compounded the issue, South America has seemed to find a stable community for the present, however. I hope it continues to stay that way."

 

Paton seemed to take the lead with the response to what the Premier said next, as Zawilza seemed content to let the President take a lead in talking to his counterpart, and sipping his tea. As she spoke, Paton would seem to sit up straight, and rest a hand over his mouth, as he leaned on the table they surrounded him, nodding lightly to her words. His expression seemed to be calculating and his eyes remained focused on her as she spoke, giving her his undivided attention. As she finished off her query to him, he would smile lightly, before sitting back again, and clasping his hands together and giving the South American leader an even stare.

 

"You are quite right, though metals can form bonds that are seemingly stronger than any that skin and bones can, it is ideas and the unifying force they can build, that are stronger than any bomb or bullet," he said, tactfully, taking a sip of his tea, before continuing. "South Africa is a nation that has seen the world pass it by on occasion, has passed off the continent of Africa as lost, has watched dreams crumble around us, seen nations come and go. We look to form a strong bond between nations that remember their pasts, cherish the present, look to the future, moving forward as a community of progressive nations in both relations with one another, as well as actions within their borders. To look to form bonds of friendship with nations that are relevant in both their region, and can be relevant in the world at large."

 

"The South Atlantic is a growing community of nations, one that is relevant, and very important to both ourselves, and as a conduit for the world at large. We are looking to bulwark our existence in the world at large, to write a legacy of cooperation and partnership in something the world hasn't seen in a long time."

[Lestari]

"You are quite right," Paton concurred, a smile overtaking his features as he clasped his hands together. "Though metals can form bonds that are seemingly stronger than any that skin and bones can, it is ideas and the unifying force they can build that are stronger than any bomb or bullet. South Africa is a nation that has seen the world pass it by on occasion, has passed off the continent of Africa as lost, has watched dreams crumble around us, seen nations come and go. We look to form a strong bond between nations that remember their pasts, cherish the present, look to the future, moving forward as a community of progressive nations in both relations with one another, as well as actions within their borders. To look to form bonds of friendship with nations that are relevant in both their region, and can be relevant in the world at large. The South Atlantic is a growing community of nations, one that is relevant, and very important to both ourselves, and as a conduit for the world at large. We are looking to bulwark our existence in the world at large, to write a legacy of cooperation and partnership in something the world hasn't seen in a long time."

 

These words prompted a slight smile to flash across Isabel's mouth. "Well said," she agreed succinctly. "I think we may have many goals and aspirations in common, President Paton." And, with that understood-- at least on the premier's part-- she dispensed of any further needless talk, feeling it prudent now to simply get down to the business at hand. "That said, I believe for our purposes a bilateral economic agreement of some kind would be a suitable starting point-- encouraging investment in Paráense and South African businesses, reduction of tariffs regarding certain goods and services, incentives to incite interaction between businesses of our respective nations. Would such a beginning be agreeable to you?"

[TheShammySocialist]

"I believe such an agreement would be amenable and easily ratified by the majority in parliament that I currently hold, we would welcome the chance to host Paraense businesses in South Africa, giving us jobs and helping the service industry with international customers. And I'm sure that some South African companies would surely be interested in Para as well, what kind of reductions are you looking for from South Africa, particularly?" asked Paton, as he looked a tablet he had produced from a bag, and had set down on the table in front of himself.

 

"I might also be amenable to adding additional non-economic amendments to this agreement, if you are interested in such things," he added, with a shrug.

[Lestari]

The South African president agreed with regards to economic stipulations, and then suggested an addendum of his own. "I might also be amenable to adding additional non-economic amendments to this agreement, if you are interested in such things," he remarked with a shrug.

"I think that may be an avenue worth looking into," Isabel replied evenly. "What do you have in mind, potentially?"

[TheShammySocialist]

"As you spoke of not desiring economic transactions as being our sole basis of relationship, and given that we seem to see eye to eye, our countries share similar a similar framework. I believe that laying out a fabric that is much stronger is necessary, which is why I believe that we should be reflected in a cooperative security agreement, basically supplying one another with intelligence that could be pertinent to our national sovereignty," said Paton, in a conciliatory tone.

 

"I believe that such an agreement would also foster closer security relations, possibly include stipulations that could see troops engaging in cooperative exercises on each others' territories, and goodwill visits from our respective navies. This would be on top of a formal embassy exchange between our nations," he added, in a polite smile.

[Lestari]

"That seems a reasonable stipulation," Isabel remarked slowly, considering the proposition. It would certainly provide a more concrete foundation of relations between the two nations, and could prove advantageous in the future. On the other hand, there was also the real possibility that such an agreement would prove detrimental to Paráense security-- however, considering recent events, there was a stronger impetus to consider the benefits over the cons. "I think such a security agreement would be agreeable. I also propose a student exchange programme between Pará and South Africa, to encourage cooperation between our two nations and foster a cross-cultural exchange of information and social communication."

[TheShammySocialist]

"As per the security agreement, we could also be amenable to sharing tracking data on satellites and ballistic missile launchers, and personally, I don't believe the South African Parliament would averse to the joint funding of a Paranese facility in South Africa, and a similar one in Para for our own forces. Of course, these would be cooperatively run, and have communication facilities to transfer relevant information," remarked Paton, after a sharing a couple whispers with Zawilza, before turning his attention to Isabel's commentary on student exchange programs.

 

"I would be quite happy to see the promotion of South Africa's educational facilities in Para, as well as see Paráense institutions hosting South African students in reciprocity. I'm sure that our customs agencies could streamline their communication, to ensure a simplified process of getting our students the correct paperwork to study in each others' nation."

Edited May 6, 2013 by TheShammySocialist

[Lestari]

After an interval of further discussion, in which specifics and details were more thoroughly hashed out, Isabel brought the conference to a gradual end with "I think we have a fairly good foundation for the beginning of South African - Paráense relations, President Paton." Premier Vieira had by that point produced a document delineating the various stipulations the heads of state had agreed on at the meeting; she signed her own name in a rather straightforward hand that was anything but ornate, and then extended it to Paton to sign on the points they had agreed on.

[TheShammySocialist]

Working with the Premier on the framework of the treaty they had come to, Paton would seem noticeably giddy about the progression of the talks. After drafting the document he would watch as the Paráense Premier affix her name to the document that was set out before them, Paton would smile when she handed the pen over to him, and he would make his own signature on it, before turning to the South American leader. "May this treaty be the beginning of a new chapter in cooperation between our two nations, and the first one between our two continents in quite some time," he said, offering Isabel his hand to shake.