Alliance of friends

[king of cochin]

The Kingdom of Cochin invites Republic of Sri Lanka and Nation of Nod to Ernakulam to discuss matters of mutual interest. The meeting would be conducted at the Bolghatty Palace in Cochin Harbor.

OOC: Ernakulam is RL Cochin in South India.

[Lynneth]

[b][Classified to allies][/b]

Soon after getting the message from Cochin, not one, but two people would fly to Ernakulam with their respective entourage.
The first was, quite obviously, President Mahinda Rajapaksa, official Head of State.
The second person was Laura Leclerc, CEO of Sri Lanka's most powerful corporation Sostra Holdings.

Both would arrive within the same two hours in jets - one being governmental, the other private - at Ernakulam's airport. Through a direct message from Sri Lanka's [i]Directorate of Foreign Relations[/i], Cochin would know to bring both to the Palace.

[Executive Minister]

Such a meeting was not unforseen, due to the nature of Nodic [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=65298&view=findpost&p=2551131"]dealings[/url] with Southern Asia. Nyani Oshibutu, Minister of Foreign Affairs would arrive with the first pallets of SIR-74AC-ER air to air missiles as promised, as well as a number of SARAH-37's, complete with a team of specialists from both Nod Military Industries (NMI) and MILitary Aviation Complex (MILAC) in Cochin harbor. Most in the Executive Ministry had congratulated Nyani for her shrewd planning, immediately signing up Nod to the Cochinian International Fleet Review. It was only a simple task of boarding the fleet [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=96205&view=findpost&p=2553713"]elements[/url] in the Gulf of Tadjoura along with the weapons, traveling with her sisters in the Militant Naval Command (MNC) to the Indian Ocean, and debarking along with other personnel within the Harbor. Such provisions served to ensure discreetness in such weapons transfer, while also simultaneously protecting the precious 'cargo' on board.

[king of cochin]

The Bolghatty Palace, a quaint building set amidst well set lawns and leafy trees is on the Bolghatty Island smack in the middle of Kochi Harbor. The Sri Lankan and Nodic dignitaries would land at the Naval Air Station Kochi on Wellington Island and then sail towards the Palace in a Coast Guard launch. The atmosphere at the palace is extremely relaxed and after accommodating the VIPs in luxurious suites and ensuring that they are relaxed and freshened up, the King of Cochin would invite them for an evening tea at the harbor front lawn. Kerala Varma is very casually dressed in jeans and a white shirt.

"Thank you Presidentr Rajapaksa, Ms. Leclerc and Ms. Oshibutu for accepting our invitation. The recent agreement regarding the Air to Air missiles finalized by our armed forces have brought out a very salient point - that we are nations with some very core shared ideals and interests. For one we are all stakeholders in a peaceful and strong Indian Ocean region. We are more or less of similar geopolitical ideologies. The question is if we have so much things in common, why dont our nations work together for achieving our common goals?"

[Executive Minister]

[quote name='king of cochin' timestamp='1294037108' post='2561696']
The Bolghatty Palace, a quaint building set amidst well set lawns and leafy trees is on the Bolghatty Island smack in the middle of Kochi Harbor. The Sri Lankan and Nodic dignitaries would land at the Naval Air Station Kochi on Wellington Island and then sail towards the Palace in a Coast Guard launch. The atmosphere at the palace is extremely relaxed and after accommodating the VIPs in luxurious suites and ensuring that they are relaxed and freshened up, the King of Cochin would invite them for an evening tea at the harbor front lawn. Kerala Varma is very casually dressed in jeans and a white shirt.

"Thank you Presidentr Rajapaksa, Ms. Leclerc and Ms. Oshibutu for accepting our invitation. The recent agreement regarding the Air to Air missiles finalized by our armed forces have brought out a very salient point - that we are nations with some very core shared ideals and interests. For one we are all stakeholders in a peaceful and strong Indian Ocean region. We are more or less of similar geopolitical ideologies. The question is if we have so much things in common, why dont our nations work together for achieving our common goals?"
[/quote]

It appeared that Nyani's wheeling and dealing with normally forbidden Nodic technology was coming to fruition, despite the ire she received from those within the higher echelons of the Nodic Militancy, and the Military Industrial Complex that was MILAC, NMI and NDII. She remembered the fevered closed door meetings, the calm reassurances she gave in response to vehement protests against divulging 'state secrets' to outsiders.

[i]Is the Nodic Militancy really so enthralled by its pride and inhibitions?[/i] She would question herself on her superiors and equals within the Ministry.

Nyani sat, in all her rigidity, despite the... liberties King Varma took in making the setting as quaint and relaxed as possible. Such provisions were oft measures designed at disarming an intransigent opponent, seducing him or her to your own side. Nyani was not unfamiliar with such methods, her past life saw much of that. Looking to her side, she saw Jessica, her Lead Handmaiden sitting with head bowed in an almost prelatic posture. As her hooded tunic was draped carefully over her head, she remained an enigma to Nyani - she did not know her mind.

"Indeed, my nation recognizes the sympathy your Kingdom has given our people during our times of duress, seemingly disregarding the insalubrious political landscape such sympathies would bring upon you, Highness," she said, addressing the King of Cochin, "You have taken great risks at voicing concerns over African Aggression against the Nodic state, and for that I... We are eternally grateful."

Nyani leaned back in her seat with a smile, turning to the Sri Lankans.

"Mr. President, while we have not had personal relations in the past, I would like to take the opportunity to personally thank You, and the Sri Lankan people for so generously accepting the call of the Germans fleeing Nordern aggression. We understand the great undertaking it is to house such a large exodus of foreigners unto your own soil, treating them as you own not withstanding. Nod found itself in a similar vein when both the Repubblica Italiana and Italican Africa were destroyed in senseless 'anti-colonial' and 'anti-fascist' military actions against their states. Such a task of integrating such a large volume of Italians into our Brotherhood was difficult, both for our sakes, and theirs. To see another nation acting so selflessly like yours, and doing so successfully, is truely a heartwarming sight."

[Lynneth]

[quote name='king of cochin' timestamp='1294037108' post='2561696']
The Bolghatty Palace, a quaint building set amidst well set lawns and leafy trees is on the Bolghatty Island smack in the middle of Kochi Harbor. The Sri Lankan and Nodic dignitaries would land at the Naval Air Station Kochi on Wellington Island and then sail towards the Palace in a Coast Guard launch. The atmosphere at the palace is extremely relaxed and after accommodating the VIPs in luxurious suites and ensuring that they are relaxed and freshened up, the King of Cochin would invite them for an evening tea at the harbor front lawn. Kerala Varma is very casually dressed in jeans and a white shirt.

"Thank you President Rajapaksa, Ms. Leclerc and Ms. Oshibutu for accepting our invitation. The recent agreement regarding the Air to Air missiles finalized by our armed forces have brought out a very salient point - that we are nations with some very core shared ideals and interests. For one we are all stakeholders in a peaceful and strong Indian Ocean region. We are more or less of similar geopolitical ideologies. The question is if we have so much things in common, why dont our nations work together for achieving our common goals?"
[/quote]
"It is an honour having been invited here, Mr. Varma," said Rajapaksa, bowing his head. He was, as usual, courteous and friendly, bowing to the Nodic representative as well with a smile. He was wearing as relaxing attire as he could, representing his nation, dressed in jeans and a vertically striped button-up shirt. "And it's an honour meeting you here, Ms. Oshibutu."
Laura, on the other hand, simply sat in her chair, a [url="http://keetsa.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/business-suit-4-woman.jpg"]business suit[/url] in dark blue, bordering on black. She merely nodded to the others in the room.

[quote name='Executive Minister' timestamp='1294091009' post='2562265']
Nyani leaned back in her seat with a smile, turning to the Sri Lankans.

"Mr. President, while we have not had personal relations in the past, I would like to take the opportunity to personally thank You, and the Sri Lankan people for so generously accepting the call of the Germans fleeing Nordern aggression. We understand the great undertaking it is to house such a large exodus of foreigners unto your own soil, treating them as you own not withstanding. Nod found itself in a similar vein when both the Repubblica Italiana and Italican Africa were destroyed in senseless 'anti-colonial' and 'anti-fascist' military actions against their states. Such a task of integrating such a large volume of Italians into our Brotherhood was difficult, both for our sakes, and theirs. To see another nation acting so selflessly like yours, and doing so successfully, is truely a heartwarming sight."
[/quote]
"It simply was the right thing to do, Ms. Oshibutu. If we hadn't taken them in, who else would have?" replied the Sri Lankan president. With a nod towards Leclerc, he continued. "And one of their number is amongst us right now. Miss. Leclerc here."
Finally, she spoke up. "In fact, I was one of those directing the refugees towards Sri Lanka, a place where I knew they'd find refuge. And it did quite a bit for the economy."
"Not without a lot of work, don't forget that. It took us almost a decade to get to a point where the economy began improving, and it's still nowhere near done."
"We're far enough, however, to have built a permanent outpost on Earth's satellite, the Moon."
"True."
"Anyways, we're not here to talk about achievements like that; Ms. Oshibutu, I'm sure the President appreciates your commendations, and it's good to have another nation with such selflessness so close by, just across the ocean. But it should be noted that -" "Laura." "...I, ah...Excuse me, I got just the slightest bit carried away. Not used to diplomatic meetings like this." She coughed dramatically into her semi-closed fist.
"Now, the Indian Ocean. We all border it, we all are interested in keeping the region peaceful, isn't that true? I for one think that close cooperation is a must for the security of our nations and the Indian Ocean to be guaranteed."
"What Miss Leclerc wants to say is that in addition to, perhaps some sort of treaty between us, she would like to see the corporations under Sostra Holdings expand a little into foreign territory. Perhaps an appropriate clause could be included, if such a treaty would be agreed to; I for one would be for both. It's simply a logical thing to do."
With that, Rajapaksa waited for the responses of the King and the Nodic Foreign minister. He'd been somewhat blunt, but wasn't that the purpose of such a relaxed setting?
Ah, he wasn't used to negotiations like this. He sighed mentally and drank some water, while Laura was leaning back in her chair, one leg over the other, with an unreadable face.

[king of cochin]

"An Indian Ocean treaty would definitely be in the Kingdom's interest, especially cooperating with nations like Nod and Sri Lanka under its aegis. However Ms. Leclerc could you please clarify what precisely you meant by expansion of Sostra Holdings? Is it simply seeking new markets or?" Kerala Varma asked.

[Lynneth]

"Well," Laura began, "mostly it's just an expansion into new markets, seeking a larger consumerbase, I'm leading a big company, after all. Into these markets we might bring not only our civilian technology, but if Vanguard for example would open a branch in Cochin or Nod, they would begin to sell the weaponry they produce in your country, giving you access to high-quality arms.
Just an example, but I believe that this might strengthen us all a little further; Having a common base for our weaponry only helps, doesn't it?"

[Executive Minister]

[i]"What kind of treaty are we discussing, here?"[/i] Nyani said.

[king of cochin]

"We are of course very much open to Sostra Holdings, Vanguard and other Sri Lankan industries along with Nodic Industries gaining access to Cochin markets. We should definitely work towards technology sharing, joint development and of course competitive marketing.

However we should be looking towards forming a greater level of treaty considering our shared ideals and common goals. A Mutual Defense and Optional Aggression Pact with Free Trade and Intelligence Sharing codicils could form the framework of a power bloc to be formed by our nations. A power bloc of this nature by pooling the strengths and capabilities of all our nations would indeed be a potent check against unwanted interventions in our region by non native powers. In an age determined by pan global alliances and unbridled imperialism under the shadiest of pretenses and ideologies facilitated by lackeys all over the world, safety and security of our larger geographic region is our own responsibility. If we do not stand together, we may have to contend seeing Americans and Europeans flaunting their power in Indian Ocean region to our detriment. Our bloc ought to be formed not to prevent access to trade or travel to peaceful nations but to prevent wars from spreading to our region," Kerala Varma said.

[Executive Minister]

[quote name='king of cochin' timestamp='1294157494' post='2563132']
"We are of course very much open to Sostra Holdings, Vanguard and other Sri Lankan industries along with Nodic Industries gaining access to Cochin markets. We should definitely work towards technology sharing, joint development and of course competitive marketing.

However we should be looking towards forming a greater level of treaty considering our shared ideals and common goals. A Mutual Defense and Optional Aggression Pact with Free Trade and Intelligence Sharing codicils could form the framework of a power bloc to be formed by our nations. A power bloc of this nature by pooling the strengths and capabilities of all our nations would indeed be a potent check against unwanted interventions in our region by non native powers. In an age determined by pan global alliances and unbridled imperialism under the shadiest of pretenses and ideologies facilitated by lackeys all over the world, safety and security of our larger geographic region is our own responsibility. If we do not stand together, we may have to contend seeing Americans and Europeans flaunting their power in Indian Ocean region to our detriment. Our bloc ought to be formed not to prevent access to trade or travel to peaceful nations but to prevent wars from spreading to our region," Kerala Varma said.
[/quote]

"There is truth in what you say, Highness... the local native populations within our land have a saying - it is foolhardy to shed the blood of a potential friend, turning him into an adversary. When two warriors decide to stand together as one, no one may touch them. Such a relationship would ensure our safety... I would sign this treaty on behalf of the Executive Ministry."

[Lynneth]

[quote name='king of cochin' timestamp='1294157494' post='2563132']
"We are of course very much open to Sostra Holdings, Vanguard and other Sri Lankan industries along with Nodic Industries gaining access to Cochin markets. We should definitely work towards technology sharing, joint development and of course competitive marketing.

However we should be looking towards forming a greater level of treaty considering our shared ideals and common goals. A Mutual Defense and Optional Aggression Pact with Free Trade and Intelligence Sharing codicils could form the framework of a power bloc to be formed by our nations. A power bloc of this nature by pooling the strengths and capabilities of all our nations would indeed be a potent check against unwanted interventions in our region by non native powers. In an age determined by pan global alliances and unbridled imperialism under the shadiest of pretenses and ideologies facilitated by lackeys all over the world, safety and security of our larger geographic region is our own responsibility. If we do not stand together, we may have to contend seeing Americans and Europeans flaunting their power in Indian Ocean region to our detriment. Our bloc ought to be formed not to prevent access to trade or travel to peaceful nations but to prevent wars from spreading to our region," Kerala Varma said.
[/quote]
Rajapaksa smiles wide, sitting upright, almost looking a little imposing for a moment. "Seeing as Sri Lanka already holds a defense pact with the Kingdom of Cochin, and relations in general are quite good, there is no reason why I should say not to such a treaty. If our three nations work together well enough, there will be little that could threaten us seriously.
However, there's some little, really small questions: What would we name such a treaty? And how would we define the 'Indian Ocean' exactly?
And perhaps there's other issues I did not think of yet that you can think of, Ladies and Gents?"