[ARG] Call to the Netherlands

[Naio90]

The argentine Minsiter of Defense, Juan Manuel Fangio, would privately request a videoconference with his dutch counterpart.

Tim

 

[Tim]

The request would be granted and the Ministry of Defence would establish an encrypted videoconference from the conference room which had a large screen and a Polycom ViewStation® camera which had been positioned to have the minister in frame behind the large conference table. A personnel member had been sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inquire about the diplomatic relationship with Argentina, if there was any, as they weren't aware of anything at the ministry.
Minister Frank de Grave would nod to the technician indicating he was ready who then opened the encrypted videoconference line with the Argentine Minister. "Good afternoon, or should I say morning?" he said, realizing the time difference between them. "Sorry if I'm blunt but do you mind me asking why you're calling without any previous contact between our two ministries?"

Naio90​

 

[Naio90]

Once the private connection was established the argentine minister would start the call.

"Minister de Grave, I am sorry if you consider this request innapropiate. Since my staff looked for certain information online and was not able to find it, I tought it was a good courtesy to call you directly, as Head of the ministry responsible for this issue, instead of tasking a regular clerk in talking to the dutch authorities."

Tim

 

[Tim]

"Not inappropriate, more surprised as I hadn't been warned and am not fully aware of the topics you wish to discuss, but I guess we will find that out along the way." He took a sip of the glass of water next to him as he nodded. "Well then, what information were you looking for? And depending on the information and it's level of security, could you also inform me why you are looking for this information and what it will be used for?"

Naio90​

 

[Naio90]

"I understand, I promise I won't take much of your time either. We were looking at the possibility of acquiring some merchant vessels from DAMEN. We did so in the past, with other dutch administrations, and are very happy with the results. As a maritime nation, it is clear your nation is proficient in the design of ocean-going vessels. In this regard, we were unable to find a listing of more navy-grade ships the Netherlands are currently exporting or open to negotiating it.

Could you please share with me what the correct process would be?"

Tim

 

[Tim]

"Ah Damen, they have indeed opened up a public storefront for their commercial ships. Acquisition of military vessels is something that we do not want to do so publicly, as there are more requirements from our government with Damen needing permission to export certain ships. Therefore any interest in military vessels will have to be forwarded to Damen in a written statement. They can then, depending on the ship, offer you certain or all specifications including the price. Not all details are shared of course before purchase for the security of our own military interest. But I suggest you contact Damen and they will be able to help you further."

Naio90​

 

[Naio90]

"I understand. Being that the case, we will prepare a message to DAMEN, both for acquiring some of the already marketed ships as well as to inquire regarding the availability of military vessels.

Also, considering your initial comments, I will comment to the President and the Foreign Affairs minister the convenience of establishing a more formal line of communication between our governments. I understand there could be a good potential on both sides for increased bilateral trade and investment. But thats something out of my jurisdiction to speak of."

Tim

 

[Tim]

"Wonderful. I hope that everything goes well and DAMEN will be able to provide you with the goods you are interested in.

Indeed, our administration is in the process of establishing relationships with other countries and I had not yet been informed of any official correspondence with your administration, that explains why I was a little bit surprised by your request for a call, but now I understand. I believe that is everything for now, unless you have something else that you wish to discuss?"

Naio90​

 

[Naio90]

"That would be it, Minister de Grave, thank you again for your time and I hope we remain in contact."

With this, the argentine Minister would politely say farewell and disconnect.

 

[Tim]

"No problem. Have a nice day." The minister greeted and left the conference room as the connection was closed. As he did so he bumped into the employee that had been to Foreign Affairs. "Oh yes they have nothing right?" he asked, the employee nodded. "How did you know sir?"
"He told me, thank you for the effort." he said before heading back into his office.

Naio90​