Kalistan

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Kalistan announces that new Consulate to be opened in Kundrati
Empire is also exploring possible re-openings in Pontesi and Xsampa
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 24, 5686


Foreign Minister, Sir Thomas Harney, answers questions concerning New Kundrati Consulate

Kalistan takes its next step toward returning to normal relations with Kundrati after nearly a century of estrangement. Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Sir Thomas Harney has announced that space has been secured in Jildrati City that will allow Kalistan to open a consulate on Etxea. The Consulate will technically work under the auspices of the Luthorian Embassy in Fort William, and was the subject of the visit of the late Mr. Henry Greene's visit last year.

"We are happy to report that the work to formally re-recognize the Kundrati Government and confirm its legitimacy of last fall is being continued with the opening of the first Kalistani Consulate in Kundrati in 102 years, since Kundratis were declared Personna Non Grata and Kalistanis left the Artanian Nation," said Sir Harney. "It has really been that long. Since then, all commerce and travel between our two nations ended, and essentially a state of war is dated from that moment. But the return of Kalistani officials to a Consulate in Etxea signifies a move past those troublesome times to a brighter future of cooperation and friendship. It is something sought by our former Emperor and Empress, and it will not be a project for our new Empress in Waiting to pick up and carry to the next phase."

The Kalistani outpost will be staffed by consular staff from the Ft. William Embassy while new Foreign Service officers begin to cycle in the the Luthorian Embassy to take their place. Mr. Grant Edwards has been named the Consul General of the Station and will be Kalistan's top ranking diplomat in Kundrati. There will also be a liaison office of the IBSI attached to the Consulate that will allow Kalistan to begin collecting information about Kundrati to help Kalistan develop policy. "Our IBSI agents in country will primarily serve as counterparts to the Kundratis, and will work to share information as our nations spend time getting reacquainted with one another," said the Foreign Minister. Meanwhile, the Consulate will provide passport, visa and legal services to Kalistanis traveling to Kundrati, a public face of the Empire for the people of Etxea and Kundrati, and a local office for Kundratis looking to travel to Kalistan.

"This leads me to also report, all restrictions on travel, trade and investment that the Empire has maintained for 102 years have also formally been lifted, this week actually," said the Foreign Minister. "Her Imperial Majesty's Government is satisfied with the steps the Kundrati Government has taken to fully neutralize and protect against remnants of the old Legionary Regime, to restore liberties to the people of the nation, and to seek reconciliation between our two states. We would like to thank Kundrati for making those efforts on behalf of their own nation, and as a result, Kundrati is now entitled to the same privileges to travel to, trade with, and invest in Kalistan. All Kundrati nationals seeking travel to Kalistan should contact the Consulate, when it opens, to ensure they are up to date with all regulations and requirements: As of now, there are no visa requirements to enter Kalistan, and as long as Kundrati maintains the same posture toward us, there won't be."

As soon as the Consulate is fully set up, it will move from outside of the Luthorian Embassy's operations umbrella. The FM confirmed that there are no talks at this moment to open a full embassy in Kasaema. "We're not opposed to the idea," said Sir Harney. "We just aren't quite there yet. One step at a time."

The Foreign Minister also announced that Kalistan is exploring the possibility of reopening consulates in Pontesi and Xsampa. "I think the Foreign Ministry is certain that there is interest in Xsampa, but we have yet to get into contact with Pontesi," said the Foreign Minister. "In both cases the consular services were suspended at some point in the past: In Xsampa's case, we pulled our staff within the last decade, as Xsampa signed treaties with Amudim. But, things have changed both within Kalistan and between Kalistan and the nations of the world, which remove barriers to restoring relations with Xsampa."

In Pontesi's case, the diplomatic mission ended long ago, due to lack of work between our two nations: Kalistan has had almost nothing to do with the Northeastern Majatran nation for decades. "Commerce and travel were nil, and there was really no reason for the consulate to be in Pontesi," said the Foreign Minister. He said the Empire centralized Northern Majatran Consular affairs in the Zardic Embassy, and expanded the Valruzian embassy to include at least some of the consular affairs for the region.

"I think it is time to revisit these two areas of the world," said Sir Harney. He also said Kalistan is hoping to revitalize Kalistani embassies in other parts of the world, including Dovani, where there seems to be a dearth of any sort of Kalistani diplomatic activity. "From Kalistan's perspective, there just isn't a lot for us to do on that continent," said Sir Harney. "Kalistan maintains minimal influence there, and it is clear that Dovanian nations do not care to seek us out either. They may be just on the other side of the Meridan Strait, but the entire continent may as well be on the moon from Kaliburg's view." Kalstan is definitely a nation that looks west at the world, which sets Dovani as the furthest west of all continents. "As far as trade, travel, and even culture is concerned, Dovani is a complete mystery. It is strange though, because Kalistan sees itself as the center of the entire universe. So... We should make a bit more of an effort to reach out to Dovani and try to understand them better."

@TheRepublic