State Visits to Covonant (IC, TWI ONLY, CLOSED)

[Vancouvia]

"Higher education, particularly a trend towards the standardization of degrees and their weight regardless of borders. Work on this has already begun in the Coalition of Free Nations, but there is no reason we can't make a bilateral agreement concerning this."

[Covonant]

"I wish the Education and Youth Minister was here, thus is right up his portfolio. I will conduct on his behalf however. Covonant has a similar agreement with CU states of providing government scholarships to CU citizens to study in Covonant to contribute to the furthering development of the CU. I am not sure what it entails with the Coalition of Free Nations but Covonant is willing to explore this venture of having Vancouvian brightest minds study at the University of Coventry or even the University of Covonant the two premier universities in the country and among the best in the region. Also we could explore student experience programme." Expressed International Trade and Development Minister Bato

"In terms of standardization are you suggesting a review of grading scheme our universities follows and a review of programmes that have received accreditation from the Covonant Board of Colleges?" Asked Prime Minister Gais.

[Vancouvia]

"Yes, in general, a standardization of accreditations, and further, the ability to transfer equivalent credits, which should open up the ability for semesters abroad and transfer students. We believe it is important that our students have the freedom to explore other countries, develop their tastes for languages and culture, and contribute their knowledge to the greater region."

Montgomery failed to mention that VEO had begun to push hard in recent months for a more worldly base to recruit from and that previous visitors and emigrants to foreign countries were the best candidates.

[Covonant]

"I shall impart the information to the Minister of Education and Youth to see that a possibility and to see if both countries Ministries and equivalent can work out a framework to seeing that established" Minister Bato expressed."

The bilateral talks were nearing its end but the Defense Minister made sure that talks would not finish until Covonant gains insight on Vancouvian military stance and policies.

"Ambassador Montgomery, if I may ask, what is Vancouvia's current stance where Communism is concerned. I am not sure if you are aware but Covonant has embarked on a policy of ensuring the non-survival of communism in the region, and so far our ally Noronica has come on board to join us in our stance. Is Noronica in a position to align more with Covonant in this respect" Asked Minister Crixus

[Vancouvia]

"Vancouvia runs on capitalism, Prime Minister," answered Montgomery. "And it is no secret our disdain for that false system."

[Covonant]

"Does that mean, if needed Covonant could rely on Vancouvia to join our cause of condemning communism?" Asked Prime Minister Gais clearly intent on gaining a support for Covonant's future endeavours.

[Vancouvia]

"Consider it a standing condemnation.... but yes."

[Covonant]

"Excellent. Is there any thing else you would like to discuss before we end this bilateral talks?" Asked Prime Minister Gais

[Vancouvia]

The Colonel spoke up unexpectedly: "Our Congress considers the Argean Sea our home waters, as I'm sure you consider the Amber and South Mesder yours. We would appreciate an affirmation that military assets will not pass through nor occupy these areas without permission of the other nation."

[Covonant]

"I am sure the Colonel is aware that Covonant has two military bases in the Argean Sea and special interest in that area. Covonant however likes the idea of Vancouvia requesting permission to pass through or occupy any area in Covonant's backyard. And though we want to extend such obligations to the Vancouvians can we be sure that our presence at our bases in the area won't be a matter of concern as well as the military agreements Covonant has with its Argean Sea allies primarily the Noronicans. If such we could agree to such arrangements. Understandably this may cause a policy shift to how we operate in your nation's backyard and area of influence." Suggested Defense Minister Ignacio.

[Vancouvia]

"To be frank, sir, I do not believe Congress has authorized us to negotiate on this matter, nor is it an appropriate topic," scowled Montgomery, mostly talking to Windshire.

"To be frank with you, Montgomery," interjected the Colonel, "There is no better time than right now to discuss this."

Montgomery gave the Colonel a harsh glare and frown, obvious enough for all attending to notice.

Colonel Windshire continued, "It is a matter of suitability. We are more suited to defending the Argean north, while you are certainly more capable of the same with the Mesder south. We simply should not step on each other's toes."

Montgomery scoffed and creased the papers in front of him.

[Covonant]

The Defense Minister observed the men's consternation but ignored Montgomery's objections.

"I agree with the Colonel, Covonant and Vancouvia are regional leaders in their respective areas and to maintain our friendly relations, maybe both our countries should be cognizant of the other's role in their respective zone of influence. Ambassador if it's Covonant's blessing you need to influence your congress on this topic, I believe we may be willing to explore it. But we would have to explore more, how that agreement would be entailed as Covonant like Vancouvia has interest in the north as I believe our Vancouvian counterparts have in the south, primarily in Covonant's Zone of Peace Athara Magarat" Expressed Ignacio.

[Covonant]

"Is there anything else you wish to discuss Ambassador Montgomery. If not I believe we can move on to the next phase of this visit. The press brief" expressed PM Gais.

[Vancouvia]

"Very well," said Ambassador. "Gentlemen. Ladies."

The ambassador stood and made his way out, followed closely behind by the Colonel. He could feel his hot hawkish breath on his neck; it enraged him but he didn't let it show.

[Covonant]

Prime Minister Gais and his delegation all got up as well and began walking out of the Cabinet Room to attend to the Palatine Press Room where media houses from both countries were already present to listen to updates from the meeting.

The Prime Minister walked alongside Ambassador Montgomery as the two went towards the double door that led to the press room. Inside the room were cameras lined at the back and journalist seated in the seats provided. Both Prime Minister Gais and Ambassador Montgomery made their way unto the podium while the delegates stood at the side to listen to the brief.

"Good Afternoon. I want to thank all present here today to inform both citizens of Covonant and Vancouvia of discussions we had relating to our countries bilateral agreement and cooperation throughout the Isles. I will speak first and Ambassador Montgomery can speak after. During this press brief we ask that all questions be withheld as talks are still in its infancy and agreements have yet to be signed, but nonetheless we shall update the country on what have been discussed. Ambassador Montgomery and I have discussed heavily our two countries intent on forging greater ties and diplomatic connection. This we agree will be in the form of a amalgamation of our accreditation criteria so as to allow for bilateral educational opportunities for Covonatians and Vancouvians. I have so far expressed this with the Ministry of Education and Youth and will be engaging more with the Education Minister to have more policy discussions with his Vancouvian counterpart, also discussed was Covonant's pledge to extend our humanitarian efforts to Illa Isle as we work to continue to spread Covonantian principles and ideals around the region through our humanitarian programme. Covonant has been an ardent supporter of democracy and has never been ashamed of expressing our disapproval with Communism and so I pleased that the Vancouvians are joining our plight in ensuring that Communism fails. I think I will hand over to Ambassador Montgomery to update our two countries on our military bilateral hopes that we will look to sign before this visit ends" Prime Minister Gais expressed as he waited for Ambassador Montgomery to speak.

[Vancouvia]

"Thank you, Prime Minister. Vancouvia looks forward to increased bilateral cooperation in the military realm. We can do much good together in these trying times, and there is no time but the present to begin this cooperative friendship. It is for this reason that we have discussed the possibility of Covonatian and Vancouvian troops living, training, and serving together wherever the fight against fascism and terrorism resides. I'm sure our boys in blue will relish the chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest troops in the Mesder. I want to again thank you all for graciously hosting my delegation. Thank you."

[Covonant]

"I want to thank you all for attending this press brief that is all we can provide for now, but I assure that overtime more information through the appropriate channels will be disseminated to both countries media houses. Thank you" Expressed Pm Gais as he led the Ambassador outside the Press Room.

"I know you are to leave tomorrow Ambassador Montgomery, but I should inform you that later tonight the Palatine Manor will be honouring your visit tonight before you leave Covonant tomorrow" Informed Pm Gais as he walked the Ambassador to the waiting vehicle to transport him back to the Presidential Palace to prepare for the banquet.

Later during the night

The state dining room was filled with influential Covonantian and Vancouvian business leaders, celebrities, diplomatic corp members, military leaders, Covonantian government officials, foreign Ambassadors and both country media houses as they all assembled for the Palatine Manor hosted banquet for the Vancouvian Ambassador.

"They all mocked me and said I wouldn't make a good Prime Minister. Look at me now forging new relations, projecting Covonantian ideals and values to the world. They prayed for my downfall and I stand taller" Prime Minister Gais spoke aloud to himself as he fixed his cuff-links.

"Are you ready Gais" Asked Cynthia

"Yes my dear. Shall we" Gais responded holding his hand out to meet hers.


"Ladies and Gentlemen His Excellency, The Most Honourable Seneca Gaius, President of Covonant and Mrs. Gaius." Announced the announcer followed by the Song for the Arrival of the President{Presidential Fanfare} to signal the arrival of the President.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Most Honourable Crassus Gais, Prime Minister of Covonant, and Mrs. Gais" Announced the announcer followed by the Song for the Arrival of the Prime Minister{Fanfare of the Chief Command} to signal arrival of the Prime Minister.

The motorcade transporting the Vancouvian Ambassador had finally arrived at the Palatine Manor. Ambassador Montgomery was greeted by the Chief Protocol Officer of the Manor and escorted to the State Dining Room.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, His Excellency, Ambassador Alabama Montgomery" announced the announcer followed by the Song for the Arrival of Foreign Ambassadors and top diplomats to signal the arrival of the Ambassador.

As the night progressed with dining on Covonantian and Vancouvian finest cuisine, the guest conversed among themselves including the honoured guest and the Prime Minister and President of Covonant.

The drums began beating signalling the Prime Minister's intent to give a speech. All talking seized as the Prime Minister stood.

"Honourable President, Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Members of the Senate, Members of the Consul, other specially invited ladies and gentlemen. Good Night. It is with great pride that I extend farewell to Ambassador Montgomery of Vancouvia. His visit to Covonant was not only historic but meaningful to the new roles which both Covonant and Vancouvia will play together as we cooperate around the region and in our respective sub-regional area. During this visit I have come to be fond of Ambassador Montgomery and believe the Vancouvian government made the right choice in the man they sent to represent them. From the state visit arrival to the bilateral talks held, Vancouvia and Covonant at the beginning both expressed and stressed on one theme and that is our shared hopes of regional peace and stability. At present Vancouvian and Covonantian soldiers are on the same agenda in our attempts at rescuing our Athara Magarati ally from the invading forces of fascism. Our delegates coordinate and deliberate on matters in the league, and in due time both our countries could see closer coordination concerning military conduct and operations as well as investment provided to aid in the economic development of both states. This visit stands to bring a giant of the north in good standing with a somewhat giant of the south (laughter from the audience). Our talks have been amicable and mature where I have gained knowledge on a country that for decades have been not properly engaged by previous governments. My administration intends to strengthen and renew ties with countries like-minded to us and willing to take on the burden of ensuring regional peace. As we express farewell to Ambassador Montgomery, I raise a toast to new friendship and greater things to come. Thank you"

As Prime Minister Gais sat down Ambassador Montgomery stood to provide his final speech on his visit.

[Vancouvia]

Montgomery had a genuine smile as he stepped up to speak. He could feel the silence envelope the room as all eyes, mostly Covonatian, found their way to his figure. He cleared his throat, then spoke:

"At the turn of the 19th century, in my old precursor state of Vaenland, we arrived at a crossroads. We were starving for law, starving for justice, starving for harmony and peace. We were war-torn, conscienceless, hopeless. We had among us thieves, ruffians, mercenaries, goons, sluggards, and malcontents. We would take up any contract, kill any man, sacrifice any nobility we had left for a coin. We were a land without a nation. We were an army without a code. We were nothing."

Montgomery paused and looked down at his feet.

"It was this time, as I'm sure the historically-gifted among you know, that Vaenland continued down its dark path of ruin, unhinged in its aim, reckless and aloof. We chose the dark path again and again. We chose the easy way. We chose death, corruption, greed. Vaenland was in chains to itself."

Colonel Windshire, sitting next to the standing ambassador, cleared his throat in nervousness.

"I am telling you this story, nay, this truth so that we may be reminded of the gravity of this occasion. This week we forged not only a new present but a new future. We chose the right path, together, boldly and with purpose. We united. And I am awestruck at that accomplishment. I am honored, and I am inspired. Up in the north, we call ourselves the Free Lands, but today, I believe the Isles became a measure of more Free overall."

[Covonant]

END OF WORKING VISIT