Kalistani Major History

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Kalistani and Ikradon Trade Delegations Meet
New Economic and Diplomatic links forged with Artanian State
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 7, 5535


Initial Trade Talks at the Ministry of Trade lay ground for deeper relationship

As Dovani continues its unending descent into what the Kalistani Foreign Minister recently called "stupidity", Seleya and Artania are more and more appearing to be the model of sanity and stability. This was the message of the recent mid level trade talks between the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan and the central Artanian nation of Ikradon: "We have come to initial agreements over a raft of regular trade arrangements, and have expanded talks into diplomatic negotiations," said His Imperial Majesty's Trade Minister Sam Waltz, following the conclusion of the meetings in Kaliburg. "Kalistan is looking to increase its ties to international commerce, we are taking it at a very conservative pace, but we think that we can put Kalistan into a very competitive position, especially with regard to proximity compared to nations further to our east and South. In exchange, Ikradon gets a regular partner in the region for peace and prosperity."

The details of the trade deal include mostly agricultural and manufactured goods, including some finished products from Ikradon which may be of some use in the Kalistani Aircraft industry. "They mentioned that they produced an alloy in their nation which they utilize in aircraft manufacturing. It remains for us to see whether it will be a better material for our own air craft, especially if it is heavier and/or more expensive than the aluminum that we currently use in fuselage construction, but it is something that we are interested in experimenting with at least, and Ikradon seems to produce this stuff." In addition to direct trade, Kalistan and Ikradon will provide open markets for each nation's goods respectively. "Kalistan tends to like foreign things. We are kitchy, you might say, and if someone has something from a far away land, they tend to attract excitement for that thing and that builds a market."

In addition to the broad ranging trade talks, the trade counterparts discussed formal diplomatic exchanges. "We talked about opening a permanent Embassy in Ikradon," said Minister Waltz. "It is in Kalistan's interest to have a direct link to the Government of Ikradon, who our Emperor has not yet had the opportunity to meet yet. When the Emperor is enthroned, an Embassy in the capital would make it much easier to visit and hold direct talks with the Artanians." A diplomatic mission to Ikradon would complement the diplomatic agencies that Kalistan has built in Luthori and Dundorf. "While most of the world's rankings do not measure regular relations as a form of influence, Kalistan certainly welcomes the opportunity to be able to ensure peace through regular and robust discussions with foreign governments. We don't any confusion about anything regarding foreign policy: We are not a nation which immediately turns to war when things get a little boring. Kalistan needs regular, normal relations as a part of our Security, and we are always on the lookout for friends."

Both states have agreed thus far to fair and reciprocal trade between the two states, and Kalistan has already begun putting orders in for Ikradonian commodities. "We expect a balanced trade agreement," said Waltz. "We won't buy more from them than they do from us, so we will find out where the equilibrium point is in trade." Further talks over specific commodities were welcomed, said the Minister. This trade deal comes on the heels of the Seko Royal visit last year and a commitment to welcome Sekowan goods in Kalistani Markets now that matters have permitted peace and commerce between the two Anantonese Nations. "The expansion of Kalistani trade with Sekowo and now the Ikradion deal really improves Kalistan's trade volume in a short space, and provides Kalistani consumers with both new products and access to new cultural tastes and trends," said Waltz. "We in return get to export our own manufactured goods and trends back to them. It is a net positive for the world, and a absolute gain for Kalistan!"