Kalistani Major History

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President of the Republic Cohen visits Aikums Dolgova on first Foreign VisitEase in Strait issue opens new opportunities for Anantonese trade
Aikums, Dolgova
Jan 14, 4696


President of the Republic Cohen meets with Dolgovarian Premier Lippmaa

Due to close ties with Dorvik and a simmering conflict in the Straits, cooperation between Dolgova and Kalistan seemed limited.  But as tensions eased, Kalistan's President, Henry Cohen, was invited to Aikums Dolgova this month to begin a new relationship.

"Kalistan welcomes the opportunity to trade with Dolgova," said President of the Republic Henry Cohen.  "We have always been open to trading with our neighbors, in the spirit of the ancient Anantonese Ocean Pact:  the geopolitical situation often foreclosed that opportunity, but getting these issues resolved allows us to move forward in a state of peace and friendship."

The President said that the two leaders discussed increasing volume of trade between the two countries, including acquiring a supply of aluminum or bauxite.  "When we begin refiring the National Foundry, refining bauxite will allow us to create our own aluminum.  This will allow us to contribute more directly to a commercial aircraft industry, which used to exist in Kalistan, but has since disappeared between a mountain of liberal privatization edicts."  The President also discussed trade in food stuffs, technology and tourism, and announced that, "The path was cleared by a mutual commitment to fair and reciprocal trade:  In principle we are committed to free trade, as nations, and have signed statements of understanding that any and all tariffs would be met by equal tariffs on the other side.  It is therefore to both nations' advantages to trade with comparative advantage and not erect barriers to trade on any commodity, or service."

Kalistan and Dolgova also discussed capital flows:  "We welcome foreign investment in Kalistan, and We understand that Dolgova welcomes investment as well."  When asked whether ODEN profits would be barred from Dolgova, Cohen answered, "I did not get the impression that Dolgova would be prejudiced with regard to the source of investment."

But this raised another question, concerning Dolgova's promise to "sink" ODEN smuggling ships.  Cohen answered this question directly:  "I think there was some miscommunication. ODEN does not operate ships, ODEN does not smuggle drugs into foreign countries.  One of the common misconceptions is that there are great freighters filled with Dahreil product, with ODEN painted on the hull, arriving in ports overseas.  This is not how ODEN works.  ODEN operates a market in Kaliburg.  Other countries send their own ships to Kaliburg, buy what they wish and then sail home.  If the Dolgovan security forces sink these ships, they are sinking their own ships and killing their own people.  It does not make any difference to ODEN if say, Dolgovan X comes to Kalistan, buys three hundred pounds of marijuana, loads it onto his own private ship, and sails it back to Dolgova, and then on the way, throws all the marijuana in the Anantoese Ocean.  We only care whether he paid ODEN before leaving Kalistan.  After that, it is not our business."

President Cohen said emphatically, "I believe this is one thing that Kalistan can not help with.  We will not help other nations enforce their own drug laws.  To do so will necessarily be a violation of their sovereignty.  In our nation, it is legal to purchase unlimited drugs.  As long as they are purchasing them in Kalisburg, they are in compliance of the law.  If they violate the law later with what they purchased legally in Kalistan, that is not our concern."  The President also explicitly assured the Premier of Dolgova that Kalistan and ODEN would not smuggle anything into Dolgova, and vowed to open all flagged vessels to inspection in accord with normal practices around trade.

The discussions also included security, mostly around navigation and a commitment to continue to discuss the possibility for joint military exercises in the Anantonese Ocean.  "This will represent a first for Kalistan," said Cohen.

Then the President was welcomed at the Royal Palace where he met the King and Queen of the Dolgovan state, and traveled with the King to view Dolgova's state of the art National Highway system called the Konigsbahn.  "I was very impressed with their plans for the Konig Heinrich Naval Base.  The project is still very early, but as a person who is well educated in Kalistani history, the Premier pointed out similarities between the King Heinrich base and our own Bozo River facility.  I mentioned that I was quite pleased to learn that our own base was being used as a standard, even for someone who, in the not so distant past, might have seen itself as our rival.  I was quite flattered."

The President returned to Kalistan following a major demonstration of ethnic Dolgovorian culture.  "The women were beautiful, the food was delicious, the regalia was breathtaking in its craftsmanship, detail and spectacular coloring.  The entire delegation was permitted to mingle with the crowd and speak to locals and answer their questions.  I was allowed to give a small speech, essentially welcoming all to visit Kalistan, and see Kalistani culture too.  It was a real treat.  I signed a couple autographs," The President said, beaming with pride.

All in all, the state visit was a success, and the President of Kalistan made a good impression of Dolgova.  "We in turn are mutually impressed," said the President of the Republic.