State Visits to Noronica (IC | TWI ONLY | CLOSED)

[Covonant]

Prime Minister Gais allowed Mr. Gaius Bato the Minister responsible for International Trade and International Development to respond.

"The Covish Care Organisation is well able to lend meaningful support. We are willing to cooperate alongside Noronican charity groups and involve the Arvanians in the process of reconstruction and redevelopment of their society. I would also propose the local government in Arvan look to the Covonantian International Development Fund for technical support and monetary grants to establish social development programmes to cater to access to education and health. I am sure the Noronican government has assisted greatly and will continue to but I am sure the local government would understand their predicament more than the Federal government" Minister Bato expressed.

His advice left a mood on few of the Noronican cabinet members fave as his advice seems to question the Noronican government's awareness to the problems faced by their overseas territory.

[Noronica]

Despite some of his cabinet and Generals' patriotic enthusiasm, Joshua was a pragmatist, not a zealot. The advise was certainly blunt and slightly rattled Joshua, but he accepted the statement as fact, he was in Nolon City, miles and miles away from St. Recount and only Lord Montague knew affairs in Arván better than anyone. He smiled at Mr. Bato thoughtfully and turned to Lord Montague whose mind seemed to be visibly whirring in his head. After a few seconds both leaders were nodding but Lord Montague was the one to reply, "I think that would be agreeable. I would invite yourself or another economic representative to join us when we travel to Arván later and assess the monetary need. We can provide investigators or you can bring your own. Would that be agreeable? I think this shall prove very fruitful as the money would also allow us to rebuild the society on the Island of Mer where Covonant's base is, meaning the base is not surrounded by poverty nor does it have to suffer shelled roads outside the base."

Lord Montague wasn't concerned about economic hegemony. Noronica was not the one asking for money, it was Arván, so Covonant would not hold Noronica. However, he needed to be careful on how much dependence he gave to the Covonantians.

[Covonant]

Minister Bato nodded in acceptance of the offer of coming to Arvan to discuss more. He held anymore questions until a later date.

Prime Minister Gais looked to Joshua waiting for him to lead the discussion to the next phase.

[Noronica]

Whump, whump, whump.

Joshua gazed out of the H166 Reindeer's window, the rain pelting down on the helicopter as it traversed the open sea. In front of the helicopter, the Island of Mer stood before it, its impressive height and powerful appearance jutting out of the sea sending a message of Covonantian strength, despite the island being officially Noronnican. The base's size and structure dominated the rest of the island, making anyone not party to Noro-Covonantian talks think the island was Covonant's. Politics works in strange ways thought Joshua as he sat up in his chair.

As the helicopter grew closer to the island, Joshua noticed something out of the corner of his eye, a flash of grey? Turning his head, he noticed that he could make out what appeared to be a fighter-jet. Upon closer inspection, it was a Covonantian jet, the Air Force's insignia proudly displayed on the aircraft. Joshua tensed slightly, watching the pilot of their helicopter calmly communicate to the jets which drew away from the helicopter as it began to descend. He knew it was for safety and it was routine, but that didn't mean it wasn't frightening. Perhaps his discomfort was amplified due to him knowing exactly how much and what those planes carried, being a person allowed very high-security clearance.

As the helicopter flew over the island, Joshua felt a sense of pride seeing that the island looked better than what the pictures had shown him during the Arvanan-war. The small island portrayed a peaceful existence, with minuscule villages and vast stretches of farmland. That was until they reached the fences of the base. It was an impressive structure, with vast amounts of buildings and grounds, bigger and more technologically-advanced than when it was an Arvanan base.

The helicopter touched down, allowing Joshua and Gais to make their way outside the aircraft where a red carpet was laid out with the Covonantian flags proudly flapping in the wind. The soldiers on the ground took an immediate salute to salute their arrival. Despite the weather, the leaders were met without a flinch. A Noronnican and Covonantian General each greeted the leaders, leading them inside the base to what was the conference room. Sitting down, the Covonantian General spoke first to the group, addressing mostly Gais.

[Covonant]

Crassus and Cynthia were busy reading the news on what has been happening back home and in the Mesder. Crassus was particularly not fond of flying in the rain but Cynthia was not bothered by it. Crassus attention to the news reports was quickly diverted when he glimpsed outside the helicopter window the Island of Base Mer (which surprisingly the Covonantians did not seek to change the name of the Base). The base was a massive building and a pride of Covonant in the Aegean/Argus area. In fact it was the second largest foreign base for the Union after Ailis Naval Base on Flores Island in Corindia and it served as the home base for the Coalition of Six. Gais felt a burst of patriotism when he saw the large Covonantian flag flying in the centre of the base. It was so high up it seemed to have touched the sky. Whatever impressions were to be made by this base, Gais summed it up to Covonantian presence around the Isles.

Swoosh, Swooosh

Almost everyone in the helicopter had a mild heart attack when the fighter jet flew by. Gais tried his best to compose himself after feeling unease flying in the rain. He turned to get a better view of the craft. After seeing the Covonantian Airforce insignia at the side of the craft his worries subdued. He turned his attention back to the Island of Base Mer. As the helicopter began to descend Gais could see what turned out to be villages on the island. He quickly remembered that the island was still a territory of Noronica and by the special relation both countries had, the Noronicans had been more then welcoming to having the Covonantians establish their presence despite having a base on mainland Noronica. It was a special relation indeed as the only foreign base in Covonantian bears the Noronican flag.

As the helicopter descended, the red carpet was laid out with the Covonantian flag well visible in the foreground as men with umbrellas came forward to provide protection from the rain to the political leaders and Mrs. Gais as they were welcomed to the Base. Both Noronican and Covonantian generals saluted their Commanders in Chief and escorted them to the Command Centre to provide updates on Base operations and to provide a tour to the political leaders. As they walked they were saluted by the other men and women in uniform who Gais saluted back to in a boastful proud way. It was to be his proudest moment as he for the first time since taking office had a taste of Covonantian might abroad. He could not grasp prior that his country had grown its presence around the region to become a regional force.

Once the group arrived at the Command Centre, it was a major difference to the pictures Gais saw when the base was occupied by the Arvanians. It was filled with state of the heart modern technological equipment and was expanded providing more spaces to accomodate more persons to be present in the Command Centre. The group were led inside a large room that resembled the Union Control Room at the Defense Ministry in Covonant.

"It is a pleasure to have with us, our Prime Minister and Commander in Chief Prime Minister Gais and Mrs. Gais and our host Prime Minister and reliable and confidant ally of Noronica Prime Minister Joshua McIntosh. I welcome you all to Base Mer where we have made it our home away from home as we work together as allies and members of the C6 to protect our interest and contribute to a more peaceful region. Prime Minister Gais I am more so pleased that you have taken the time out of your visit to visit Base Mer and to see our operation firsthand. This is the Union's second largest base and our operations are vast and wide sir, and we hope to make you and Covonantians at home proud of our work here in the north."

Gais felt the need to speak. He was overcome with pride and in that instance overtly patriotic but for the first sensitive not to misspeak for fear of upsetting the Noronican host.

"I am honoured and welcomed. I have never been to Noronica nor Base Mer prior to assuming the role of Prime Minister and from my visit here I must express how proud I am of all our service men and women around the region and in particular those here at Base Mer. Your hard work and loyalty to Covonant has made us stronger, freer, and safe and for that you have my utmost gratitude. Your work here and around the region has made me proud to identify myself as a Covonantian and the arduous task we have taken on to bring peace to not so peaceful areas. I have read the reports of Arvan prior to Noronican acquiring the area and I am most delighted that we have worked extremely well to bring peace and maintain it in troubled parts. When I was in the helicopter flying to come here and I looked out the window and say a peaceful Base Mer I knew that Covonant was right to extend her service by bringing peace"

[Noronica]

The Noronnican General turned to Joshua, speaking in a deep tone, "Mr. Prime Minister sir, Mr. Prime Minister Gais, I must reflect my colleague in the honour of having you here to inspect the base. It has been a pleasure working with the Covonantians over such a large task as this base. We have worked tirelessly to bring this base into modernity and I can now say with pride and surety that we have done just that. With the improvements we have made, this is truly a bastion in the North. Of course, as this is mostly a Covonantian base, there is a large Covonantian presence, yet Noronica still has use of this base and we will continue to work with our ally in the defence and maintenance of this base. To highlight this, in part of our weapon demonstrations later, we shall be showing you the newly-installed Épée Surface-to-air Missile systems."

The room was alive with military conversations, detailing new military exercises and plans for the new base, hoping to make it a prominent military presence in the North. Joshua and Gais were very active in their discussions over each country's military hardware on the base, to which both Generals gave each other a knowing smile. While allies, its always healthy to have some friendly rivalry.

Once talks concluded, they were lead outside onto the balcony of the conference room to the viewing gallery. In front of them lay a vast area for military exercises. Overhead, two Covonantian F-15E's flew by alongside two F-19 Aingaels. The aircraft underwent impressive displays, testing out their weapon arsenals on the hills below. Soon the Épée's were rolled out and missiles were launched at fast speeds, rocking the ground under them.

Tanks and helicopters came into view, with infantrymen being deployed from the helicopters while the tanks manoeuvred their way across the rough terrain of the battlefield. Joshua twitched when he heard a round fire close to him, his military experience reminding him of his early days.

Once the display was concluded, Joshua realised that it nearing the end of their tour. Gais was due back to Covonant and Joshua needed to wrestle his own interests into several events occurring around the Western Isles. They would be returned for a final joint speech at the Palace and then Gais would leave.

Overlord's Palace

Joshua stood on the podium, his face bearing a smile to the crowds. He spoke calmly with a touch of sadness to reflect the end of the visit, his eyes watching the crowds for their reactions, "Well, as we all know good times come to pass. What we have had has been a historic moment for both Noronica and Covonant. The Prime Minister and I have dined and shared tales of our great nations, we have talked in great length about the prosperity of our people, you that see me now. Whether you are Noronnican or Covonantian, know that as leaders we have a duty to you and we promise you our friendship stall stand the test of time. Our time here has shown us that, despite the distance between us, we are united in our strength and stability, showing the region that we stand for those in need. In Arván, we spoke of our new initiatives to ensure the wellbeing and security of its citizens under a united programme. As we speak a representative from the Covonantian Government and the Arvanan Governor are touring the peninsula to see what needs to be done.

We have spoken about our future in the International Community. Tension and instability occurs throughout the region, so our two nations need to be united or we shall fall. We will act together to promote peace and prosperity across the Isles, ensuring its citizens are free from tyranny.

We have also spoken about defence. Base Mer is now at its fullest capability, a bastion in North if you will. It will continue to promote and display our promise to defend our citizens and promote stability across the Isles. We have spoken over our joint military actions, developing tighter unity between our strategies and tactics.

I stand before you as a friend. Mr. Prime Minister, I am proud to call you a friend, truly and honestly before my friends here in my country. Thank-you."

Joshua took a step back to allow Gais his closing remarks.

[Covonant]

Prime Minister Gais and Cynthia Gais appreciated the words from the Noronnican General. But what captured his attention was the thought of seeing the military in action. He had been somewhat a sheltered man and even though being in politics for a while has never truly seen the Covonantian military in action. This visit was proving to show a different side of Covonant that was rarely known to Crassus despite on numerous occasions he has claimed Covonant to having a well equipped force.
Following the discussions that followed the speeches Gais ears were well tuned to the military talks taking in the planning and procedures done at the base. Following the discussions the invited party moved to the viewing area of the Command Centre. Cynthia and Crassus were pleased to see the military crafts and equipments on display proudly displaying the military might of both Noronica and Covonant. Gais was proud of the Covonantian crafts on displayed, but was intrigued with the F-19 Aingaels. He knew he would be pressing his defense ministry and the air force in securing a few.

The Noronican and Covonantian Prime Ministers were escorted down to a small memorial park like area that displayed the Covonantian flag on a high flag pole able to be seen from miles away on the island, proudly displaying Covonantian presence on the island. In the park the men were given a wreath to lay in memory of the C6 force that perished in the battle for Arvan.

Overlord Palace-Final night before ending of visit

It was the final night in Noronica before Crassus and Cynthia Gais departed the country for Covonant. The Noronnican Overlord and Prime Minister extending one final moment of good relation and hospitality hosted a banquet in honour of the Covonantian Prime Minister and his wife. The room was filled with affluent Noronnican and Covonantian citizens that were members of the political class, diplomatic corps, military men and women, and celebrities and business people. The room was filled with Covonantian and Noronnican decorative ranging from local to Covonantian florals, colours and music. The food prepared was also a mixture of Covonantian and Noronnican cuisines. A silence fell upon the room as the Noronnican Prime Minister Joshua McIntosh took the floor to deliver his final speech for the night. Crassus took in every bit of the speech laughing at moments where it was required and displayed emotions of seriousness and agreeing when it was expected. He felt pleased with his Noronnican counterpart calling him friend and believed it. He stood as Mr. McIntosh had finished his speech to give him a standing ovation which the invited guest proceeded to do as well. Joshua and Crassus both shook hands as Gais took out a paper from his jacket to deliver his final speech.

"To their Overlordship Tytus I and Remona, to his Excellency the Honourable Joshua McIntosh, Prime Minister of Noronica, to the members of the Noronnican Round Table and Noronnican Parliament, to Members of the Diplomatic Corp in the Noronnican Foreign Services and Covonantian Foreign Services, specially invited guest, good evening. It was with great honour that I selected Noronica as the country in which I would embark on my first foreign trip as Prime Minister of Covonant. Our two countries have always remained loyal to each other for almost 2 decades now. We have witnessed the rise of a stable country and a confidant ally. I must extend thanks and appreciation on behalf of the people of Covonant and personally from Cynthia and I, for the warmth and hospitable service that we received. Special thanks to his Overlordship and her Royal Highness for their accommodation and ensuring that at every step we were well received and treated as honoured guest. I can assure that if every you both wish to come south of the Isles to Covonant you can expect no lesser service. I extend thanks towards Joshua and the government of Noronnica for strengthening our ties and closer relation, for inviting me to speak in their prestigious hall and for showcasing a little bit of Noronnican art and culture to their southern friend. I also extend the claim that Joshua is a true friend of mine indeed. On this visit we have not only gotten to know more on the history of our two countries relations but have also forged a friendly relation between each other that will only serve to solidify even more the relation of our two countries. I extend gratitude to the Covonantian and Noronnican service men and women who put their lives on the frontline to ensure our liberties are maintained and our societies are safe. I had the pleasure of seeing first hand the works of our military men and women over in Arvan and I can express that they are among the finest in the region. In closing, I reiterate Covonant's commitment to the Gael/Argean area and pledge to continue to work alongside and support our special ally Noronica. Both our countries are poised with leading a region that is peaceful and stable and it is a cause we aspire to continue valiantly. Thank you."

Crassus once again shook hands with Joshua and Titus as he too was met with a standing ovation.

Final Morning-day of departure

Crassus and Cynthia had already had their luggage packed by aides and the route to Nolon City International already drafted and cleared with police presence placed along the routes. Crassus and Cynthia expressed their final good byes to Tytus and Remona. As the cameras looked on, the two entered the Stallion to begin their journey back home.

At Nolon International, the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and Covonantian Ambassador to Noronica were present to send off the Covonantian officials. The red carpet was laid out leading to the stairs which led to the door of the Eagle (The Official aircraft of the Covonantian Prime Minister). Crassus and Cynthia embarked from the Stallion, greeted by cheers from Noronicans and Covonantians alike who came to view the departure and the viewing gallery at the airport. Both Crassus and Cynthia shook the hands of the Noronnican Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary and Covonantian Ambassador to Noronica before boarding the Eagle. Once making their way up the steps, Crassus and Cynthia turned to give a final wave to the crowds and the camera before making their way inside the craft. After 2 minutes the doors were shut followed by another 2 minutes wait before the plan began moving off to transport the Covonantian Prime Minister back home to Coventry. Signalling the end of a successful visit.

[Noronica]

END OF STATE VISIT