State Visit of Callumstan to Covonant (IC, CLOSED)

by **Covonant** » Mon Jul 25, 2016 1:03 pm

This thread is IC ONLY and is to be done by Covonant and Callumstan only. No other state is to post on this thread but the two aformentioned states. Thank you.
This thread is for the sole purpose of the Official state visit of Callumstan to Covonant

The Protocols Department had just approved the itinerary of schedule events for the state visit. All was under way. The police was given their mandate and routes were drawn up and law enforcers were established along those routes which the President of Callumstan and the official parties will travel. The weather in Coventry, the capital city of Covonant which will play as host was sunny and cool as it led closer to the later part in the evening. Preparations were still underway as the President of Callumstan would arrive in the Union shortly.

The Prime Minister was used to such affairs so he showed no signs of nervousness. The Prime Minister's Secretary Gloria Smikle entered into his office and advised him to prepare as the ceremony at the Palatine Manor will commence immediately once the vehicle transporting the President has arrived.

At the Presidential Palace where the President of Callumstan will be staying, all staff members were busy preparing meals that will be served to the visiting President, ensuring his room is in proper order. The Office of the President was also drafting up programmes for the banquet which is said to be held in his honour.

The media all converged at Coventry International Gateway Airport (CIGA) to witness the arrival of the President of Callumstan, Mr. John Morris. He was to arrive any moment now. The chief of Customary Protocol Gregory Mair along with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Tilonius Vesa had already arrived at the airport to greet Mr. Morris.

by **Callumstan** » Mon Jul 25, 2016 2:21 pm

The President sat quietly gazing out the window as his aircraft made it's descent into Coventry International Gateway Airport. Throughout the entire flight he had been preparing replies to constituency emails, which he would save on his Parliamentary email account for his staff to send out once he was in Covonant.

Mr Morris looked around at his staff nervously, wondering if they also understood the gravity of this visit. It was his first state visit since become the President, and his team were under a lot of pressure to make sure it went smoothly.

As the aircraft touched down on the tarmac and began to taxi towards the welcoming committee, Mr Morris began to relax, he knew he had to look at ease, warm and open during this visit. He turned to his chief private secretary and said "Contact Rebecca and make sure she has all the figures from Samuel and Amy about the cost of this base, I don't want to be caught off guard by the media."

As officials from the airport prepare the stairs for John's disembarkment, the President went to meet the captain, to thank him for the smooth journey. He made sure his suit was straight and he looked Presidential, before exiting the aircraft.

by **Covonant** » Mon Jul 25, 2016 5:27 pm

Gregory Mair, the Chief Protocol Director, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Tilonius Vesa, made their way to the diplomatic area where the red carpet was placed out at the stairs leading to the aircraft door. The door opened and the President of Callumstan Mr. John Morris stepped out. He saluted the captain of the aircraft and made his way down the stair to greet the official party.

Mr. Mair and Mr. Vesa both greeted the President.

"Welcome to Covonant President Morris, we are all delighted that you have accepted our invite" expressed Minister Vesa.

(The vehicle transporting the President of Callumstan)

The vehicle to transport the President arrived it was a BMW 760Li, similar to the one used by the President of Covonant. The car drove off transporting Mr. Morris to Palatine Manor (The official residence of the Prime Minister) for the state arrival ceremony. Traffic had been diverted allowing free passage from the Callumstan President, his official parties, and his entourage. On the sidewalk many Covonantians were out to greet the visiting President, throwing kisses and waving to him many waved the Callumstan flag which was being given out to passer-by commuters.

Tv Broadcast

"Welcome to the CBC, for our special live coverage of the arrival of President John Morris of Callumstan visit to Covonant. I am your presenter Illythia Reid. Lets go live to the proceedings".

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the Union of Covonant, Seneca Gauis and his wife Cynthia Gauis". Announced the Officiator.

The Presidential fanfare was played while the presidential banner was broken out.

(Banner of the President)

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Prime Minister of the Union of Covonant, Imperatus Marl". Announced the Officiator.

The Fanfare of the Chief Command was played while the banner of the Prime Minister was broken out.

(Banner of The Prime Minister)

The vehicle transporting the Callumstanian President had arrived.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, The President of the United States of Callumstan, John Morris". Annouced the Officiator.

The song for the arrival of foreign heads of state and government was played while the flag of Callumstan was raised.

The vehicle approached the Prime Minister. The President of Callumstan and the Prime Minister shook hands and greeted one another at which they embarked to the platform for the playing of both nations anthem.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand for the playing of the national anthem of Callumstan, followed by the National anthem of Covonant. The national anthem will be conducted by the Coldstream Guard Band, with a 21 gun salute for the Callumstan anthem".

Following the playing of both anthems, the Chief Guard of the 1st regiment of the Coldtream guards made his way to the platform to invite the Callumstan President and the Prime Minister to view the guards.

"Mr President, the 1st regiment of the Coldstream guards have been sealed and cloth in full regalia ready for your inspection Sir". The Chief stated to both leaders.

The military music began to play while both leaders marched through the men in uniformed. They both made there way back to the platform for the delivering of their remarks.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Prime Minister of the Union of Covonant"

"Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen. I am honoured to welcome to our capital Coventry, and to our country, Covonant the President of Callumstan, John Morris. Mr. Morris and I have been in constant dialogue with ensuring our nation may grow closer as we work together on a goal which we both view as important to our national development. I am please that the Office of the President in Callumstan had taken up our offer of having the President visit our country. We intend to work extensively on seeing our mandates achieved, through our bilateral meetings we hope to gain clarity on issues surrounding defense, joint base initiatives and also strengthening greater ties. I am most pleased particularly for the message we are sending to other states that through mutual understanding and respect but most of all greater cooperation we can be one step closer to being a safer nation and a safer region. And in closing I extend to my Callumstanian counterpart and friend the warmest Covonantian welcome.

And with that, the president made his way to the microphone to deliver his welcomed/introductory remarks.

by **Callumstan** » Tue Jul 26, 2016 9:45 am

The President smiled as he looked around the crowd that had assembled.

"Ladies and Gentleman, before I begin my remarks, I would like to thank you all, for the incredibly warm and generous welcome you have given me today. It is certainly not the kind of welcome I am used to back in Callumstan, after being in Government for over a year, so I thank you, for truly making this an amazing occasion. I am here, to address the concerns those in Callumstan and those here in Covonant, may have, about the plans between our two nations, to conduct joint military training and to establish bases in each other's land. I know, that many people here will have their doubts, about this initiative, like many people in Callumstan, however my goal is to put forward the positive case, to you, and to my people back home, that this, is in the best interests, of Callumstan and Covonant! These joint military bases will allow the Government here is Covonant, and my Government in Callumstan to cut military spending. They will allow for our militaries to work closely together, allowing for quick response times in the event of a serious conflict. This partnership, I believe, will lead to something much greater, than just two bases. I believe, this partnership, will lead to a close allience between Callumstan and Covonant, an allience, that we can begin to lay the groundwork for, during this trip. So, I say as a closing remark, in Callumstan, we will hold out our hand to you, just as you, have held your hand out to us, thank you!"

by **Covonant** » Tue Jul 26, 2016 1:46 pm

The Prime Minister and the Callumstanian President came off the platform and headed towards the door which lead to the foyer. Following behind them was the official part from both Covonant and Callumstan. Inside the foyer of the Palatine Manor, the Prime Minister Imperatus Marl began to introduce key stakeholder that will be apart of the events of the state visit to the President.

"President Morris, I introduce to you the Chief of Defense Staff General Cladio Machelli of the Covonantian Armed Forces and Minister of Defense Batiatus Sula, which I believe you have already met when he visited your country last month".

"It is a pleasure to greet you again Mr. President. I must say my visit to Callumstan was invigorating and I hope that on this visit we can work to achieve what we expressed on my visit to your country" expressed Minister Sula.

It was at this time the Callumstanian President responded and introduced his key stakeholders who will be taking part in the events of the state visit.

by **Callumstan** » Tue Jul 26, 2016 2:26 pm

"It is a pleasure to meet you General, and it is a pleasure to see you again Minister Sula" Mr Morris said as he shook their hands

"Now, I would like to introduce you to Hazel Sparks, My Chief Private Secretary, she will be in charge of communicating with the Civil Service in Callumstan, so that we have official records of everything that occurs during this visit" The President said while gesturing to Miss Sparks.

"And I also wish to introduce you to Senator David Hines, Former General, and currently our Officer for the Armed Forces, so the equivalent of a junior minister here." John Morris said while gentures to Mr Hines

Mr Morris turned back to the Prime Minister and smiled "What is first on the itinerary Mr Marl?"

by **Covonant** » Tue Jul 26, 2016 3:35 pm

The Prime Minister greeted Ms. Sparks and Mr. Hines at which Mr. Sula escorted the two to the side to engage with them while the Prime Minister and the President conversed.

"I would have thought your office would have received an itinerary Mr. Morris. I must apologize on my part for the mishap." The Prime Minister beckoned unto his Secretary to bring a schedule of events for the President.

"I hope much will be achieved from this visit and hope you are pleased with the events outlined. They were well thought out by the Protocol department." Expressed Mrs. Smile the Secretary to the Prime Minister

A man in a dark suit arrived. He was a Praetorian Guard.

" Prime Minister the car to transport the President has arrived."

by **Callumstan** » Tue Jul 26, 2016 4:03 pm

The President finished looking over the itinerary and then looked towards Prime Minister Marl

"This all seems fine, and believe me, it was not the fault of the Union that this did not reach me. Our Civil Service performs routine server maintenance every year, and this year the happened to be performing that work on Government servers, so I am currently using my Parliamentary Office, which I do not check from Friday to Sunday, given that our Parliament is not in session on those days."

The President walked with the Prime Minister and Praetorian Guard to the car

"Will you be attending the meeting at the Palace or will I be saying goodbye to you for now?" John Morris asked Imperatus Marl

by **Covonant** » Wed Jul 27, 2016 8:09 am

"No I must say this is the last we will speak for the day. The motorcade is to transport you to the Presidential Palace for meeting with the President of Covonant and for you to rest for a busy day tomorrow. Tomorrow we have days of bilateral talks at the Ministry of Defense. I do hope you will rest well tonight."

The President bid his farewell and went inside the car. The Prime Minister walked off to the side and watched the procession to the Presidential Palace drive off.

The streets were cleared as traffic along the route to the Presidential Palace was diverted. Once arriving at the Palace, the flag of Callumstan was raised. The President of Covonant, Mr. Seneca Gaius was already positioned outside awaiting the arrival and greetings.

The car pulled up at the feet of President Gaius. The doors were opened by the Presidential Guards and Mr. Morris stepped out. The song for the arrival of foreign heads of state and government was played, as the two president greeted each other.

Song for the arrival of foreign heads of state and government

"Welcome President Morris, I am delighted that you have visited our country. As is customary, this will be your residence for the remainder of your stay, and I can assure all the luxuries of Callumstan with a touch of Covonantian flavour will be provided". The two President walked towards the door that led to the large entrance hall inside the Palace.

Image of entrance hall in the Presidential Palace

by **Callumstan** » Wed Jul 27, 2016 12:18 pm

"I am honoured to stay here President Gaius" John Morris said, while taking in the beauty of the Palace "I must say this is a spectacular building, certainly not what I am used to in Callumstan, my official residence there is basically a large apartment above the Presidential offices and the Cabinet room."

John Morris continued to gaze in wonder at the architecture of the building while he was taken to where he would be staying over the visit. President Morris took out his laptop once he was settled and began to check emails he had received from his constituents while he had been enjoying the ceremony earlier. He began to work while settling, making phone calls to other MPs and to Senators, to make sure all the details for his meeting tomorrow where in order, and that everything had been provided to his Private Secretary.

by **Covonant** » Wed Jul 27, 2016 7:23 pm

The following day

(Ministry of Defense-Maxmum)

(Inside the Defense Boardroom)

The security at the Maxmum was tight as the Prime Minister was attending a bilateral meeting there. Praetorian Guards and the Marines along with police personnel ensured the building was secured and protester were not in close proximity to where the meeting will be held. Already inside the boardroom was: The Minister of Defense Batiatus Sula, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defense Cyntia Griers, Chief Financial Officer in the Ministry of Defense Jason Stein, Head of the Defense Oversight Department Andrew Beagle, The Minister of Foreign Affairs Tilonius Vesa, The Permanent Secretary in the Foreign Affairs Ministry Likalia Cassia, Chief of Defense Staff General Cladio Machelli, key figureheads at military departments located in the country such as General Petronius Cassia Head of the Covonant Marine Corp Institute located in Devios city, Devios and Admiral Tiberius Commodore who is the Head of the Covonant Naval and Maritime Department located in Kanaute Devios.

The Prime Minister had just arrived and walked into the boardroom. He greeted all assembled and informed them of the arrival of the Callumstanian delegation. They all discussed their proposals and biddings until the Callumstanian delegationn arrived.

A few members of the media were invited. Members from the Covonantian Broadcasting Commission, the Covonantian Enquiry, Kbc4, CBC FOUR, CBC ONE, Callumstan 365 and Callumstan Broadcasting Company

They discussed until the Callumstanian delegates arrived.

by **Callumstan** » Thu Jul 28, 2016 7:01 am

The President entered the room with the Covonant team follow by Hazel Sparks, David Hines, and half a dozen other junior secretaries, that had travelled to Covonant. All 9 of them had briefcases with important documents and after greeting the assembled members took their seats. Once seated Hazel Sparks took out a laptop to communicate with Civil Servants in Callumstan.

The President checked over his documents and spoke first "Ok, so, we clearly need to discuss the budgets for both Critical Point and Watcher's Barrier. How much do your staff believe it will cost overall, for the construction first of Watcher's Barrier in Callumstan, and how much are you willing to allocate in your budget? If we figure out what estimations you have, we can check our estimations and try and work out an agreeable sum."

by **Covonant** » Fri Jul 29, 2016 1:09 pm

The Chief Financial Officer in the Ministry of Defense, Jason Stein had a few papers out before him, he brought one from under the papers and began speaking of the expenses the venture will take.

"First looking at Critical Point in Senoica, its already built and functional so Callumstani forces will be deployed and housed on the island base and the Callumstani government would contribute to base upkeep, troops upkeep and the cost for transporting and deploying troops to other parts of the region and for upkeep of Callumstani vessels or military equipment brought. Being a Joint ventureship, the Covonantian Government have agreed based on discussions in the Consul of providing all related cost with reference to Covonantian forces on the base in Senoica. The Callumstani government would do likewise (Based on their agreement) in relation to their forces. A financial Oversite Committee have drafted the estimated cost for the base in Senoica, Covonant.

Mr. Stein then took out another paper that had the breakdown of the proposed base in Callumstan

"The Base being built in Callumstan would cost more than its Covonantian counterpart. For one, the base will be built from the ground up and will require tools and supplies, land surveying which would include bordering and perimeter drawn up. The Covonantian government hopes that its counterpart in Crannock will consider this joint venturship a divided role. The amount in troops and staff is estimated based on the size of the base and its functions, fees incurred will be on a overall basis not taking into account maintenance.

The Chief Financial Officer sent the copy of the documents outlining the cost to the Callumstani President to allow for his remarks, and his teams financial reports and findings.

"These figures are based on the Ministry's assessment and would welcome input and findings from Callumstan and see if it correlates." Expressed Minister of Defense Batiatus Sula

by **Callumstan** » Fri Jul 29, 2016 4:56 pm

Senator David Hines began to speak "Several of our departments collaborated to find our estimated figure for construction of the base in Callumstan to be around 700 US Dollars, or for us 385 million Crubbles..."

"That figures includes everything apart from troop relocation. We have also estimated that maintenance will cost 25 to 75 million US dollars per year, this includes estimations for food, cleaning, structural maintainence, system maintainence and the cost to provide services to the station such as electricity."

Hazel Sparks passed a sheet of paper with these details to the Covonant delegation before Hines continued

"Callumstan will send 5,000 military personal, 3,000 dependencies and 500 Civil Servents by the end of 2016. However, Callumstan plans to increase this steadily to 8,000 personal and 550 civil Servents by the end of 2020. We also wish to propose that the jobs you mentioned, like that of firefighters, doctors, excetra should be provided by country in which each base is situated in, to provide employment for the local populace. Callumstan will station 2 vessels at Critical Point, however, we must have full discussions with Generals in our Navy before we can confirm what vessels will be stationed at critical point. Callumstan will also provide servicing for all vessels stationed at Watchers Barrier by your army, if we can confirm vessels stationed in Critical Point will be decided by Covonant"

Hazel Sparks handed out another sheet of paper before John Morris began speaking "I believe that is the information require in terms of personal and costing, unless there is anything you want us to go into further detail with we can move on to functions and decide exactly how our two militaries should co-operate directly."

by **Covonant** » Fri Jul 29, 2016 8:54 pm

The Minister of Defense looked over the reports from the Callumstani delegates and sought to clarify Covonant's position.

"We will accept the terms of Covonantian locals being employed at Critical Point in Covonant, and Callumstanian locals being employed at Watcher's Barrier. To assist with cutting cost for the Callumstani government, Callumstani vessels will be allowed service in Covonant under the agreed partnership that the cost incurred will not be brought to the Callumstani government but will be covered by the Covonantian government, with the understanding that such benefits be allotted to Covonantian vessels requiring servicing at the base in Callumstan. Our technocrats can flesh out the particulars while we move on to discuss how our two armies will co-operate directly."

by **Callumstan** » Sat Jul 30, 2016 6:52 am

"Ok" John Morris said with a smile "Senator Hines will set out what we believe is in the best interests of both our nations, then you can set out your position"

"Alright" David Hines said "Callumstan wishes to offer a partnership of both training and intelligence. We wish to, instate a standard training program that both militaries will follow, so that in the event both of our nations must work together to defeat a common threat, we are prepared to do so. In terms of intelligence, we wish to propose the sharing of access to information of suspected threats, in terms of terrorist threats and enemies of state. Clearly, these are very broad proposals, which can be work on in any treaty or formal agreement, however, what are your thoughts on these, do you have anything to add or do you wish to object?"

by **Covonant** » Sat Jul 30, 2016 8:14 am

The Defense Minster Batiatus Sula, sought to respond on the proposal.

"We will explore the option of sharing intelligence, however this is a tricky area, as I nor anyone in this room can grant that privilege, it would have to be approved by the Consul. I had hoped the Director of the Intelligence Data Centre (IDC) was present to work out that matter. However let us discuss terms that I could propose to the Consul. I don't see any problems that it would undermine our sovereignty as I would believe that the deal would be done similarly between us. I would see it sent to the Consul and have it deliberated on, hopefully in time before this visit has ended."

Prime Minister Imperatus Marl intervened

"We will have to flesh these out and see if all can be agreed in a declaration/treaty signing. We can work post-haste but diligently to ensure it is not rushed work but conscious thinking on serious issues. Would you agree to our technocrats working on forging a supposed declaration/treaty for both sides to review and scrutinize hopefully before you and your team are schedule to depart?" asked the PM

by **Callumstan** » Sat Jul 30, 2016 3:39 pm

"That would be preferable, however, we would not be able to sign it here, Callumstan laws prevent any treaty being ratified without the consent of one of our two Parliamentary Chambers" John Morris explained "Since we cannot agree on the terms for intelligence sharing at this very moment shall we focus on training?"

by **Covonant** » Sun Jul 31, 2016 4:34 pm

The Chief of Defense Staff of the Army of the Union of Covonant General Cladio Machelli gestured as he wished to speak on the topic of training.

"Yes, I think this is an opportune time to discuss training. Understanding that it is a naval base in both countries, we would jointly have to ensure that the training is rigid and up to world standards to deliver optimal results. Types of training I will suggest that can be provided and Watcher's Barrier as is provided at Critical Point are:

1. Fundamental Applied Skills Training (FAST) and Virtual Environments for Ship and Shore Experiential Learning (VESSEL). FAST helps recruits become better readers. VESSEL is a favorite of most recruits. It's a video-game-based casualty response training system that combines role-playing, educational and real-time strategy games.

2. Frequent Joint naval mock battles

3. Search and rescue training

4. Planned war games as part of experience training programmes

"Any other suggestion you may like to see added or is there any I have listed you may not be in support of?"

by **Callumstan** » Mon Aug 01, 2016 7:22 am

Senator David Hines spoke "The only thing I can think to add is response training, which is a core part of all military training in Callumstan. Which is a series of tests involve mathematics and linguistic questions as well as other tests. I know tests to how fast trainees can respond may be part of these suggested tests, however, our tests do not for response focus on simple reaction times without weaponry, to avoid soldiers becoming trigger happy"

by **Covonant** » Mon Aug 01, 2016 1:27 pm

General Machelli nodded his head in agreement.

"I believe response training should be integrated has it may prove beneficial to ensuring conduct of the highest order from our troops."

Looking towards the Covonantian Minster of Defense, the general still speaking to the Callumstani delegations.

"I don't believe Covonant has response training integrated into our military training programmes. We would hope with our greater cooperation, Callumstan would lend assistance with seeing us here in the Union can make it a part of our programme. With the President of Callumstan approval of course. Is there anything any members of your delegation in addition to the proposals I have just made, wish to express any other motives, or any wish they would hope to see included?"

by **Callumstan** » Mon Aug 01, 2016 1:51 pm

"We have nothing further to add" David Hines said "Clearly once these agreements have been fleshed out we may object to specific proposals, however that will be done between our civil servants"

John Morris spoke up "We are interested however, in making this deal, in whatever shape it may be once it is finalised, a treaty that other nations can agree to, to create, a sort of bloc of mutual co-operation, what are your thoughts on this? Are we jumping the gun a bit with this or is that something you are also interested in?"

by **Covonant** » Mon Aug 01, 2016 2:02 pm

Prime Minister Marl, gestured to respond to the proposals made.

"Covonant is interested in having a Mutual Defense Pact with Callumstan, however we do not oppose the creation of a bloc. If I may ask further questions concerning this block, such as:

1. What will be the main goal, role or focus of the bloc

2. Will it be symbolic, military, economic, cultural or all

3. The nations ideology that will be included in this bloc

" Before the end of your visit our technocrats can work out treaties based on our discussions, and once both of our parliaments agree we can have them ratified. However we can now discuss provisions for a mutual pact or bloc."

by **Callumstan** » Mon Aug 01, 2016 3:02 pm

John Morris began speaking "I think, that the main purpose of this bloc should be to promote cooperation and standardisation across nations. I am a firm believer in my countries place in the world, and that Callumstan should be a main player on the Western Isles stage, as I assume you all are about Covonant. However, I feel the best way to boost our nation's standings and other nation's standing is to come together and put out a clear and cohesive message to other nations that says, we can work with you, look how well we work with each other. I personally feel this bloc should focus on military and economic ties, however, as with any bloc, culture will begin to spread, forming a common culture. As for ideology, I don't think that should be an issue, I feel the real issue should be democracy, so, communism is fine, but if it is a dictatorship, then they should not be admitted. What do you feel about this, if I put those 3 points to you, how would you respond?"

by **Covonant** » Mon Aug 01, 2016 5:49 pm

The Prime Minister being the chief diplomat of Covonant decided to address the proposals made by the Callumstani President.

"Covonant will be more than willing to play a part in a bloc that will seek to promote a greater sense of regionalis, peace, cooperation, and stability throughout the Isles. I believe both Covonant and Callimstan have a role to play in reaching out to other states likeminded to us and willing and able to join the cause to have greater cooperation. What we are doing here is a perfect example that that ggoal is not impossible to achieve. With our agreement to the creation and joing of a bloc, understandkng its functions being military, economic and extending to cultural cooperation, would you like to discuss its overall organisation and present it publicly when we have the press conference."

State Visit of Callumstan to Covonant (IC, CLOSED)

State Visit of Callumstan to Covonant (IC, CLOSED)

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