Kalistani Major History

[Doc]

Empress Greets Luthorian Prince Plenipotentiary
Exchange of Ambassadors finally Normalizes relations between two Empires
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 7, 5510


Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette greets Luthorian Prince Andrew, named Luthorian Ambassador to Kalistan, along with Luthori Staffer

In a brief ceremony followed by a diplomatic reception, Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Nicolette II Ananto accepted the diplomatic credentials of Prince Andrew Frederick John William of Orange-Villayn Armstead, second cousin of the current Emperor of Luthori, Albert I and has recognized him as Ambassador and Plenipotentiary from His Majesty's Government. The acceptance ceremony was held at the Imperial Seat in downtown Kaliburg, and involved the new Ambassador, Prince Andrew, presenting the formal patents naming him Luthorian Ambassador to Her Imperial Majesty's Court and making a short speech, mentioning that His Government and His Emperor looked very much forward to the bright future ahead for Luthorian-Kalistani Relations, including strengthening commercial, cultural and political ties. The statement acknowledged challenges and opportunities that lay in front of the two Governments, and stressed the value of cooperating together as friends. Following the presentation of the Credentials, the Prince made a slight bow, according to Imperial Protocol and Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress, remaining seated on the Throne of the Empire, answered:

"We accept these credentials on behalf of our Court. We are honored that your first Embassy should be here with us. You are welcomed to Kalistan".

There was a round of applause that followed this historic event. As the Empress remained seated, the Foreign Minister Mr. Francisco Delgado, then rose, and delivered the following words: "Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Nicolette II Ananto welcomes Your Highness, Prince and Ambassador. She wishes me to communicate Her faith not only in your Government's willingness to bridge the long standing gaps between these two great nations, but also adds a personal word of confidence in you. She adds that She has read of your own nomination and the conversations that surrounded it, and wants me to say that She feels that your emperor made a well informed and enlightened decision in sending someone to Her Imperial Majesty's court who can speak with the authority of the emperor in Luthori, and has his full confidence. She knows that you do not necessarily have a life long experience in diplomacy and She feels that this is a strength that you bring to your relationship with Her Imperial Majesty. Occasionally, blood is thicker than civil service experience. Her Imperial Majesty appreciates your forthright nature and your courage in accepting the nomination to this Post, and hopes that from time to time, she may rely on your candor, absolute honesty and integrity in relaying conversations and intentions both to and from your emperor, so there may be only understanding and comity between the two Nations. She adds in closing that She welcomes you, your staff, and your family, and looks forward to many years of productive discussions on issues that concern both Luthori and Kalistan. Welcome to you, Your Highness, Prince Andrew."

Following the speeches and photos, a small wine and cheese reception was held where Luthorian and Kalistani counterparts met and began the process of getting to know one another and building trust. The Empress, in this setting could be somewhat less formal, and took the opportunity to meet the new Ambassador, members of his family and staff, and to share some hopes and plans she has. After about a half hour, Her Imperial Majesty excused herself to attend to other matters, while the Foreign Minister stayed on to begin discussion on getting the Luthorian Ambassador and staff situated in their new temporary Home here in Kaliburg.

The exchange of Ambassadors is a first in Kalistani-Luthorian relations, which have been non-existent for centuries, due to lack of follow through, difficulties in communication, and a general mismatch of worldview between the Western and Eastern Empires. This ceremony marks an historical high point in Kalistani-Luthorian relations thus far. As the Prince's counterpart settles in the Kalistani Embassy in Fort William, the now fully normalized relationship between Kalistan and Luthori will open a new era of peace and good will, and serves as a coup for Luthori, who has long sought to increase its influence in Northern Seleya, only to costantly meet a roadblock in Kalistan. It is the Government in Kaliburg's hope that now that relations are normalized, Luthori will become a trustworthy partner for prosperity in Seleya, and that Kalistani soft power can be extended into Artania.

In a post script, FM Delgado said that Her Imperial Majesty was in the process of planning a wide ranging foreign trip to visit a number of other nations. "I can confirm," Delgado said, "that Luthori is on the list. If Her Imperial Majesty ends up travelling to Luthori, it will be the first time that any Kalistani Head of State, be it a President or an Ananto, has set foot in Luthori. 25 years ago, such a visit would have been utterly unimaginable." We'll keep you posted about the developments of these plans.