Following the ministerial recess, His Majesty King Mordecai IX has officially reconvened the institutions of Government for the sixty-ninth year of His reign. As part of this convocation, I am instructed by His Majesty and His Excellency the Grand Chancellor to present this humble petition to Madrinet's global colleagues, and welcome them to do business, exchange culture, and solidify relationships.
I am pleased to provide a short introduction to the Kingdom of Madrinet below, and express my hope, shared by His Majesty and all his Ministers, that our future relations bear the fruit of friendship and prosperity.
Sir Armand Beaumanoir
Personal Secretary to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
Madrinet is a small nation nestled between the Adriatic Sea to the south and the Karst plateau to the north. Known for its outstanding natural beauty, Madrinet is also home to fantastic man-made achievements such as the ancient walled city of Clarault, the nation's capital since time immemorial, and the modern spectacle of the Marbeles garden city. For nearly a thousand years the country has been an oasis of civilisation, that rises proudly above the plateau, blossoms within the valleys, and flourishes within the forests. The nation's motto - beauty is truth; truth, beauty - is an ancient rallying cry and modern mission statement for today's Madrinet. Her people, government, and King are committed to the preservation and encouragement of the country's natural beauty, its culture and traditions, and the happiness of its people. Symbols of this commitment can be seen all around the country, most notably at the Royal University Clarault, an institution of higher learning that has produced some of the country's most brilliant minds, and the National Galleries, home to some of Madrinet's most beautiful artwork.
The capital city, Clarault, is an ancient city with foundations dating back to before the common era. With nearly a thousand years of history tucked between the plains and the coast, the city itself is a living monument: with its academic district boasting the remains of the original city of antiquity and its market plaza showing the opulence and grandeur of Enlightenment baroque, Clarault tells the story of the entire country within its walls - and the story is still being told. Beyond the original borders of the city, the modern world parallels the rich and varied architecture of the old city with the sleek, smooth edges of contemporary style; home to business, banks, factories, hotels, and ordinary citizens, the new town respectfully nods to the beauty of Madrinet, emulating nature's splendour through architectural innovation. The city is a hub of art and architecture, and is proud to host the Madrinetan Fashion Show annually; the esoteric, the avant-garde, the classic, the bold, the grand - all are represented in this meeting that invites talent from across the world.
In the provincial capitals, Clarault's influence can always be seen - from the brilliant and imposing architecture to the grand boulevards - but despite their size, the smaller cities foster their many and varied local cultures as well, and local twists on art, architecture, and music can be found across the country. Cordiers, a city rivalling Clarault's beauty if not in size - emphasises its agricultural roots, with traditional market festivals and farming events characterising the local calendar. Shernton is the youngest of Madrinet's metropolitan areas, but has already established its unique flavour after just two hundred years; an urban environment contained entirely within a man-made valley, housing a huge number of rare and interesting - and in some cases, entirely unique - plants and animals borne from the city's scientific approach to the common goal of beauty and truth.
Madrinet is an absolute monarchy, but this description is somewhat misleading. Currently, the King retains most of his traditional prerogatives, including the right of veto over all legislation, but governs with the advice of a Grand Council. Although often described sui generis as a 'constitutional autocracy', Madrinet has no formal constitution and the system of government is better described as a 'self-limited' autocracy; the current King, Mordecai IX, has reinforced this unique and interesting style of government with his pledge that his would be an enlightened absolutism that redefined the King not as the owner of the State, but rather as its first servant. Although the country boasts a proud military history - one of many traditions kept alive in Madrinet's renowned penchant for pageantry and ceremony - its modern foreign policy is peaceful and dedicated to maintaining the balance of power while protecting and promoting the global cause of enlightenment.
Information for Prospective Diplomatic Missions
The Madrinetan foreign relations program is open to all nations who share Madrinetan values of justice, liberty, beauty, and education. Through international diplomacy, Madrinet hopes first and foremost to create friendships and relationships with the international community, as well as to foster trade, business, and cooperation. The King is proud to be able to offer some of the country's finest architectural marvels to States wishing to establish embassies. All ambassadors are invited to meet with His Majesty the King to present their Letters of Credence in the sight of the Grand Council at the Palace of St Laurence.
The Kingdom does not expect its guest nations to send delegates who are likely to abuse the trust of the King, nor send those who are not willing or able to obey our laws. There is no ban on recreational drugs or alcohol but the usage of same must be responsible and dignified. The King respects international convention with regard to diplomatic immunity and allowances for ambassadorial staff and equipment - it must be noted however that firearms are not permitted within the city walls of Clarault. We invite any queries or concerns regarding local law and intolerances.
We hope to welcome you to Madrinet soon!
![[ National Flag ]](https://i.imgur.com/7vADKOP.png){kind=link}