NationStates Jolt Archive

Secretary of Foreign Relations Douglas Taylor adjusted his glasses as he continued to read the report on the country of Storal. A tall, grey haired and unassuming man, this was Adejaani's first act since the nuclear devastation wrought on it by the Magnian Rogues. Many friends (and many the Adejaani people didn't even think were their friends) had stepped in to help and the reconstruction was going along nicely.

Taylor nodded approvingly as the black limousine pulled up to the Presidential Residence of Storal. An aide quickly opened the door and led Taylor to the Presidential Gardens where he was told politely the President would be along shortly. The two Adejaani Secret Service Agents made themselves discreet and walked the perimeter.

Taylor merely nodded and waited politely for Storal's President to come along.

President Lysander Jacobs wife,Victoria had just finished straightening his tie when a knock was heard at the presidents dressing room door. Lysander walked over and opened the door. It was his most trusted aide aid Micheal saunders. " Hello Micheal" The president said warmly. "Has the trade negotiator arrived?" Suanders nodded. " Your guest is waiting for you in the presidential gardens sir." The president smiled. "well then i suggest we get this party started"
The coolness of the presidential house was quickly replaced by the warm breeze that filtered in from the gardens. "Let's hope this goes well" The presidents wife gave his hand a final squeeze. " You'll do just fine sweet heart." She said reassuringly. He smiled at his wife. She had always been a source of encouragement for him.
President Jacobs straightened himself to his full height and with a friendly diplomatic smile headed into the gardens to meet with the Negotiator.

Taylor nodded approvingly as he shook President Jacob's hand. "Mr President, I bring you warm welcomes from the Technocratic Republic..... Ah, my apologies, sir. The Grandfather Knows Best State of Adejaani. It is nice to know that such young countries as Storal wishing a more elaborate role within the international community."

Taylor hardly dared not breathe, trying to gauge Jacobs' reaction. Although his nation was far larger, this was about the respect and building friends. Inwardly, Taylor remarked to himself, trade with Storal wouldn't even make the first page of the newspaper, or the second, or the third.....

"Though you must realise, sir, I'm a Diplomat, not an economist or the Secretary of Trade, so I can only agree to a temporary in principle agreement." Taylor allowed himself half a second to suck in air. He'd dipped his toe in the water, kept his 'hand' close and played only one card.

President jacobs sized up taylor. He had heard that though he wasn't a negotiator technically,he did have some skill in that area. Lysander sat at his usual seat as is aid entered into the garden carrying with him the projected industry reports.
The president merely glanced at these. Setting the documents on the table he spoke." Mr. Taylor though Storal is by comparison a rather small nation we do feel that during your time of rebuilding from your nation most recent attacks we feel that we can lend support to you in the realm of workers goods and other services as you may need them. Your nation may once your economy restores itself be able to return the favor i think."
The president looked pleased he had laid it on the line. the only thing to do now was to wait and see what this mr tayor could offer in retturn.

Taylor smiled thinly. "Of course, Mr President. However, the Adejaani economy is robust and back on the up. Although the loss of millions of lives was a significant tragedy, people had the right idea of shutting down the country, apart from essential services to the society. That meant when the banks, manufacturing sector and stock market reopened, there was a hiccup, not a loss, because by then, Judge Bell had gotten confidence back up." In other words, we are the ones helping you. Please don't forget your place in this world, pal.

"However, sir," Taylor said, trying to steer things back on course "we could use a short term supply of raw materials like oil, cement, iron ores and the like. In the long term, we're willing to place contracts for things like computer chips, aviation equipment, vehicle chassis and the likes, which we'll purchase 'whole' from you. In turn, we offer you monetary capital, equivalent goods and resources of monetary value, or reduced costs for materials of greater value than the trade you may give us."

Lysander's brow furrowed as he contemplated the counter offer that Mr. Taylor had proposed. It was true that the financial gain that Storal would get from these contract would boost the economy as well as the government funded programs. "Mr. Taylor, your proposal does seem to be well thought out and it has many aspects which would benefit storal greatly. I just need you sir to clear up a few things for me." The president leaned forward in his chair. "Exactly how much iron ore and oil are we talking about here?" He asked graciously. "

President Jacobs tried to guage his oppents next words by the look on his face. a task that was proving to be more and more difficult as these talks progressed.

Lysander's brow furrowed as he contemplated the counter offer that Mr. Taylor had proposed. It was true that the financial gain that Storal would get from these contract would boost the economy as well as the government funded programs. "Mr. Taylor, your proposal does seem to be well thought out and it has many aspects which would benefit storal greatly. I just need you sir to clear up a few things for me." The president leaned forward in his chair. "Exactly how much iron ore and oil are we talking about here?" He asked graciously. "

President Jacobs tried to guage his oppents next words by the look on his face. a task that was proving to be more and more difficult as these talks progressed.