Astral-Azmen State Meeting (CLOSED)

[The Astral Mandate]

Relative to most state meetings- highly planned affairs, indeed- this had been called practically on a whim.
A couple days prior, discussion had begun on a joint space program between Azmeny and the Astral Mandate. This quickly reached the upper echelons of the two governments, leading to the decision to meet in Rigel. However, it would not be entirely correct to assume discussion over the program would be the sole purpose of the meeting. The two leaders, Neri Virtanen and Yuri Korolev, enjoyed each others' company, which was something rarely accessible amid the political climate of the time, which was certainly quite tense. This would be a great opportunity to further cooperation between the two countries, and between their leadership in particular.

Notes:
Only I and Azmeny are to post here.
The meeting will begin at the House of Ministers in the Forum of Rigel.

[Azmeny]

President Korolev looked out of the window as the black presidential car drove through the streets of Rigel. He was looking forward to meeting his counterpart in the Astral Mandate. After all, there were few nations Azmeny was on good terms with as much as the Astral Mandate, and he had very often met Neri Virtanen to discuss important matters.

However, he felt some unease. Since the two leaders had met, geopolitics had taken a turn for the worse. The world looked at brink of nuclear war, and each day the threat of conflict had seemed to escalate. And on top of that, Korolev had elections soon, and was under immense pressure to perform well on the global stage and at home. He had enjoyed some success, attracting large sums of international investment to Azmeny, but he knew well he’d need more than that if he was to succeed both at winning the election and running a successful nation.

The car then pulled to a slow stop outside the House of Ministers, and out stepped the President, flanked by a ceremonial guard.

[The Astral Mandate]

President Korolev looked out of the window as the black presidential car drove through the streets of Rigel. He was looking forward to meeting his counterpart in the Astral Mandate. After all, there were few nations Azmeny was on good terms with as much as the Astral Mandate, and he had very often met Neri Virtanen to discuss important matters.

However, he felt some unease. Since the two leaders had met, geopolitics had taken a turn for the worse. The world looked at brink of nuclear war, and each day the threat of conflict had seemed to escalate. And on top of that, Korolev had elections soon, and was under immense pressure to perform well on the global stage and at home. He had enjoyed some success, attracting large sums of international investment to Azmeny, but he knew well he’d need more than that if he was to succeed both at winning the election and running a successful nation.

The car then pulled to a slow stop outside the House of Ministers, and out stepped the President, flanked by a ceremonial guard.

Neri Virtanen rushed out to meet his Azmen contemporary, glad to see him once again.
"How are you today, sir?" he would ask, extending his hand for a handshake. Neri shared similar concerns about the world, knowing all too well the tense geopolitical climate. However, Neri believed that even in the darkest days of history, there was a light, a hope to be found. Even in times when tensions rose, some, like he and Korolev, attempted to calm them. Although these efforts sometimes failed, Neri knew that the effort was still important and respectable. Cooperation was crucial in these times, and that was to be discussed here.

[Azmeny]

snip.

Neri Virtanen rushed out to meet his Azmen contemporary, glad to see him once again.
"How are you today, sir?" he would ask, extending his hand for a handshake. Neri shared similar concerns about the world, knowing all too well the tense geopolitical climate. However, Neri believed that even in the darkest days of history, there was a light, a hope to be found. Even in times when tensions rose, some, like he and Korolev, attempted to calm them. Although these efforts sometimes failed, Neri knew that the effort was still important and respectable. Cooperation was crucial in these times, and that was to be discussed here.

“I am very well, thank you. It is good to be here in the Astral Mandate and to see you again.” He said, shaking Virtanen’s hand. He was glad to see his ally, especially given the circumstances. In a turbulent world, the Astral Mandate was quite possibly one of Azmeny’s most trustworthy, reliable allies. “We have a lot to discuss today, a lot has happened since we last met, and new problems have arisen on which our nations need to collaborate.”

[The Astral Mandate]

Neri Virtanen rushed out to meet his Azmen contemporary, glad to see him once again.
"How are you today, sir?" he would ask, extending his hand for a handshake. Neri shared similar concerns about the world, knowing all too well the tense geopolitical climate. However, Neri believed that even in the darkest days of history, there was a light, a hope to be found. Even in times when tensions rose, some, like he and Korolev, attempted to calm them. Although these efforts sometimes failed, Neri knew that the effort was still important and respectable. Cooperation was crucial in these times, and that was to be discussed here.

“I am very well, thank you. It is good to be here in the Astral Mandate and to see you again.” He said, shaking Virtanen’s hand. He was glad to see his ally, especially given the circumstances. In a turbulent world, the Astral Mandate was quite possibly one of Azmeny’s most trustworthy, reliable allies. “We have a lot to discuss today, a lot has happened since we last met, and new problems have arisen on which our nations need to collaborate.”

"Indeed so. Shall we discuss them further?" Neri would check his watch.
"We do have some time until the reservation I booked, so feel free to take a seat."

[Azmeny]

snip

"Indeed so. Shall we discuss them further?" Neri would check his watch.
"We do have some time until the reservation I booked, so feel free to take a seat."

“I would be glad to have a seat.” Said Korolev, looking forward to starting with their discussion. “Well, first of all, Azmeny would like to thank the foreign investment from the Astral Mandate. This money is going a long way towards modernising our economy. Soon, our economy will be a symbol of socialist success.” Korolev swelled a little in pride. He had played a key role in improving Azmeny’s economy, and was able to proudly say his actions had gone a long way in developing Azmeny. Under his presidency, the Azmen economy had enjoyed unprecedented success, a stark surprise following decades of corruption, stagnation and complacency. He hoped to continue that legacy, especially if he was to survive into a fourth term.

[The Astral Mandate]

"Indeed so. Shall we discuss them further?" Neri would check his watch.
"We do have some time until the reservation I booked, so feel free to take a seat."

“I would be glad to have a seat.” Said Korolev, looking forward to starting with their discussion. “Well, first of all, Azmeny would like to thank the foreign investment from the Astral Mandate. This money is going a long way towards modernising our economy. Soon, our economy will be a symbol of socialist success.” Korolev swelled a little in pride. He had played a key role in improving Azmeny’s economy, and was able to proudly say his actions had gone a long way in developing Azmeny. Under his presidency, the Azmen economy had enjoyed unprecedented success, a stark surprise following decades of corruption, stagnation and complacency. He hoped to continue that legacy, especially if he was to survive into a fourth term.

"You're welcome," Neri would reply, happy to hear that the investment was going to good use. He knew that Azmeny, while richer than many countries, was still in need of the growth that the Astral investment had provided. His nation had seen unprecedented economic growth since the late 2000s due to the efforts of the liberal left, which had practically entirely eliminated poverty in the nation by guaranteeing living wages and jobs. Some may have called it outlandish, but the technology was there. Some group just needed to create the atmosphere of change required to put it to use, and in the Astral Mandate's case that was the PP/SWP/AF coalition that formed in 2008. It had done so much to help the people that it had maintained power to this day. "And while we're on that topic, I talked to the people in charge of the investment and they said we could cancel the debt, if you would like. We honestly don't need the money back."

[Azmeny]

snip.

"You're welcome," Neri would reply, happy to hear that the investment was going to good use. He knew that Azmeny, while richer than many countries, was still in need of the growth that the Astral investment had provided. His nation had seen unprecedented economic growth since the late 2000s due to the efforts of the liberal left, which had practically entirely eliminated poverty in the nation by guaranteeing living wages and jobs. Some may have called it outlandish, but the technology was there. Some group just needed to create the atmosphere of change required to put it to use, and in the Astral Mandate's case that was the PP/SWP/AF coalition that formed in 2008. It had done so much to help the people that it had maintained power to this day. "And while we're on that topic, I talked to the people in charge of the investment and they said we could cancel the debt, if you would like. We honestly don't need the money back."

“And we’d still be able to pay it.” replied Korolev “Although of course we are immensely grateful for the generosity of the Astral Mandate in cutting our foreign debt. However, we still have something to offer the Astral Mandate: namely, we would like to offer Azmen oil and natural gas at very low rates, to show the gratitude of the Azmen people. And as a symbol of this gratitude, my country has suggested increased cooperation with you country, namely in space. The Azmen Space Agency has suggested building a joint space station, to further our nation’s science.”. Korolev knew that his country needed reliable international partners. Azmeny, after all was a small, isolated state and could need allies, especially in the realm of global trade and technological cooperation. While military strong, Korolev knew Azmeny’s economy was still decades behind the west, a source of much annoyance to him.

[The Astral Mandate]

"You're welcome," Neri would reply, happy to hear that the investment was going to good use. He knew that Azmeny, while richer than many countries, was still in need of the growth that the Astral investment had provided. His nation had seen unprecedented economic growth since the late 2000s due to the efforts of the liberal left, which had practically entirely eliminated poverty in the nation by guaranteeing living wages and jobs. Some may have called it outlandish, but the technology was there. Some group just needed to create the atmosphere of change required to put it to use, and in the Astral Mandate's case that was the PP/SWP/AF coalition that formed in 2008. It had done so much to help the people that it had maintained power to this day. "And while we're on that topic, I talked to the people in charge of the investment and they said we could cancel the debt, if you would like. We honestly don't need the money back."

“And we’d still be able to pay it.” replied Korolev “Although of course we are immensely grateful for the generosity of the Astral Mandate in cutting our foreign debt. However, we still have something to offer the Astral Mandate: namely, we would like to offer Azmen oil and natural gas at very low rates, to show the gratitude of the Azmen people. And as a symbol of this gratitude, my country has suggested increased cooperation with you country, namely in space. The Azmen Space Agency has suggested building a joint space station, to further our nation’s science.”. Korolev knew that his country needed reliable international partners. Azmeny, after all was a small, isolated state and could need allies, especially in the realm of global trade and technological cooperation. While military strong, Korolev knew Azmeny’s economy was still decades behind the west, a source of much annoyance to him.

Neri would consider the fuels deal for a minute. On one hand, he was no man to turn down a gift, especially one from a friend. However, the Astral Mandate was highly environmentally conscious, and with the nation mostly relying on renewable energy it had little need for fossil fuels. However, a joint space program would require some. Neri eventually came to a response:
"The fuel will be put to use in the space program, as that is where we will need it most." Neri checked his watch again. "Well, our reservation is in a few minutes. Perhaps you'd like to continue this discussion over dinner?"

[Azmeny]

snip

“Indeed.” agreed Korolev. “I could certainly do with some dinner. And discussion of such an important matter would happen best over some good food.”. Korolev hoped that he could have a good meal and a productive discussion. Besides, following his long journey from Azmenabad, he was thoroughly fatigued.

[The Astral Mandate]

snip

“Indeed.” agreed Korolev. “I could certainly do with some dinner. And discussion of such an important matter would happen best over some good food.”. Korolev hoped that he could have a good meal and a productive discussion. Besides, following his long journey from Azmenabad, he was thoroughly fatigued.

"Well then, let's go!" Neri walks out of the House (I presume Korolev follows), and asks,
"Should we walk or ride? It's only a short ways away." Indeed, the walk would only be five minutes at most, and to drive would be even faster. The Forum was a compact yet comfortable- cozy, one might say- neighborhood, built on an island just off the coast in Rigel.

[Azmeny]

“Indeed.” agreed Korolev. “I could certainly do with some dinner. And discussion of such an important matter would happen best over some good food.”. Korolev hoped that he could have a good meal and a productive discussion. Besides, following his long journey from Azmenabad, he was thoroughly fatigued.

"Well then, let's go!" Neri walks out of the House (I presume Korolev follows), and asks,
"Should we walk or ride? It's only a short ways away." Indeed, the walk would only be five minutes at most, and to drive would be even faster. The Forum was a compact yet comfortable- cozy, one might say- neighborhood, built on an island just off the coast in Rigel.

“Yes, walking would be good.” said Korolev. He would prefer indeed to walk. One of the things he despised about his job was how little of foreign cities he saw, having to move from place to place via armoured car, with so much security he was completely isolated from the city around him. He saw very little of the capitals of many other countries as a result. He liked walking therefore, as he’d at least see a bit of Rigel. “It’s a beautiful city, Rigel.” He remarked to Virtanen

[The Astral Mandate]

"Well then, let's go!" Neri walks out of the House (I presume Korolev follows), and asks,
"Should we walk or ride? It's only a short ways away." Indeed, the walk would only be five minutes at most, and to drive would be even faster. The Forum was a compact yet comfortable- cozy, one might say- neighborhood, built on an island just off the coast in Rigel.

“Yes, walking would be good.” said Korolev. He would prefer indeed to walk. One of the things he despised about his job was how little of foreign cities he saw, having to move from place to place via armoured car, with so much security he was completely isolated from the city around him. He saw very little of the capitals of many other countries as a result. He liked walking therefore, as he’d at least see a bit of Rigel. “It’s a beautiful city, Rigel.” He remarked to Virtanen

"Indeed," replied Neri Virtanen. "It's great being able to live here, taking in the sights of the city." As they walked along the paths of the Forum, Neri enjoyed spending the time with company. Alone he had walked these roads so many times, but doing with a friend was a new experience. He was happy to show Korolev a few things on the way to the restaurant. The magnificent public gardens that lined the streets, the marble architecture concealing museums and artisans' shops, the towering Rigel Pact HQ- these were all among the sights of the forum.

[Azmeny]

“Yes, walking would be good.” said Korolev. He would prefer indeed to walk. One of the things he despised about his job was how little of foreign cities he saw, having to move from place to place via armoured car, with so much security he was completely isolated from the city around him. He saw very little of the capitals of many other countries as a result. He liked walking therefore, as he’d at least see a bit of Rigel. “It’s a beautiful city, Rigel.” He remarked to Virtanen

"Indeed," replied Neri Virtanen. "It's great being able to live here, taking in the sights of the city." As they walked along the paths of the Forum, Neri enjoyed spending the time with company. Alone he had walked these roads so many times, but doing with a friend was a new experience. He was happy to show Korolev a few things on the way to the restaurant. The magnificent public gardens that lined the streets, the marble architecture concealing museums and artisans' shops, the towering Rigel Pact HQ- these were all among the sights of the forum.

Korolev took great pleasure in seeing the sights. It was a nice sunny day, and he was fascinated by the beauty and charm of the city. It certainly lacked the monumental scale and grandeur of Azmenabad, but nonetheless had a certain charm, an infectious spirit in the air. He looked at the shops and museums, thoroughly enjoying himself. After all, he couldn’t have had a better guide. “Now, let’s get to the forum and get to business!” he said.

[The Astral Mandate]

"Indeed," replied Neri Virtanen. "It's great being able to live here, taking in the sights of the city." As they walked along the paths of the Forum, Neri enjoyed spending the time with company. Alone he had walked these roads so many times, but doing with a friend was a new experience. He was happy to show Korolev a few things on the way to the restaurant. The magnificent public gardens that lined the streets, the marble architecture concealing museums and artisans' shops, the towering Rigel Pact HQ- these were all among the sights of the forum.

Korolev took great pleasure in seeing the sights. It was a nice sunny day, and he was fascinated by the beauty and charm of the city. It certainly lacked the monumental scale and grandeur of Azmenabad, but nonetheless had a certain charm, an infectious spirit in the air. He looked at the shops and museums, thoroughly enjoying himself. After all, he couldn’t have had a better guide. “Now, let’s get to the forum and get to business!” he said.

"Here we are," Virtanen said as the two arrived at the restaurant. This was a rather upscale place, as were many things in the Forum- with the economic growth in recent years, many luxuries had become more abundant. This particular place specialized in the Rigel area's unique food culture, which focused on simplicity, elegance, and local produce. With the economic growth had come cultural growth, leading to the formation of many "micro-cultures" in the Astral Mandate inspired by certain styles. Virtanen would hold the door for Korolev.

[The Astral Mandate]

/bump

[Azmeny]

Korolev entered the restaurant and sat down, admiring the stylish decor and elegant surroundings. He said to Virtanen “Well, this is a very nice restaurant. It’s very upscale. I suppose we should order, and then we can discuss a bit of the plans for the joint space station, it’s a high priority for Azmenabad.” He remarked. Azmeny highly valued science, and the joint space program was a top concern of Korolev. After all, he had done much to encourage science in Azmeny. The space station would be a crowning achievement, a cherry on the cake for his government. Besides, he knew well such a move would captivate his public, and give Azmen some much needed excitement and optimism.

[The Astral Mandate]

The waiter would arrive at the table- he was quite familiar with Neri. "Ah, hello there, Neri! And nice to meet you as well, Korolev. May I take your order?"

[Azmeny]

“Ah! Glad to see someone recognises me” says Korolev, smiling. “For starters, I’d take the bruschetta, and as a main I’ll take the pepperoni and mushroom pizza.”

[The Astral Mandate]

“Ah! Glad to see someone recognises me” says Korolev, smiling. “For starters, I’d take the bruschetta, and as a main I’ll take the pepperoni and mushroom pizza.”

Neri would ask, "and I hope you're willing to split that...?"

[Azmeny]

“Ah! Glad to see someone recognises me” says Korolev, smiling. “For starters, I’d take the bruschetta, and as a main I’ll take the pepperoni and mushroom pizza.”

Neri would ask, "and I hope you're willing to split that...?"

Korolev replied “Of course! We can share” he then asked the waiter “Make that a large pizza then.”. He was hungry, especially for pizza.

[The Astral Mandate]

The waiter would retreat to the kitchen, giving the two leaders time to converse.
"The joint space station would be quite a good development, and between us it shouldn't be that difficult, relatively speaking."

[Azmeny]

“Yes, I agree.” Said Korolev to his counterpart. “I suggest we should start work on it. I propose we build it out of modules, with the Astral Mandate and Azmeny both contributing equally. We shall use it then to conduct research in earth orbit, to advance our nations great scientific capabilities further still.” He too regarded the project as feasible. For years, Azmeny had desired a permanent presence in space, but Korolev knew he needed international cooperation to do so. He therefore wanted to make the new space station a top concern of his government.

[Azmeny]

“Yes, I agree.” Said Korolev to his counterpart. “I suggest we should start work on it. I propose we build it out of modules, with the Astral Mandate and Azmeny both contributing equally. We shall use it then to conduct research in earth orbit, to advance our nations great scientific capabilities further still.” He too regarded the project as feasible. For years, Azmeny had desired a permanent presence in space, but Korolev knew he needed international cooperation to do so. He therefore wanted to make the new space station a top concern of his government.

[The Astral Mandate]

“Yes, I agree.” Said Korolev to his counterpart. “I suggest we should start work on it. I propose we build it out of modules, with the Astral Mandate and Azmeny both contributing equally. We shall use it then to conduct research in earth orbit, to advance our nations great scientific capabilities further still.” He too regarded the project as feasible. For years, Azmeny had desired a permanent presence in space, but Korolev knew he needed international cooperation to do so. He therefore wanted to make the new space station a top concern of his government.

"Sounds good. I think we'll start work on solar panel modules first, because we already make lots of solar panels."