[Australia]: Message to Singapore

[Owen]

"Dear the Prime Minister of Singapore,

We're delighted to see a new Singaporean Government be elected. Allow me to be the first foreign leader to reach out to you to established strong ties. Australia and Singapore have a long and rich history of working together to better outcomes for South-East Asia. Economic relations between our countries are strong and we welcome the huge amounts of bilateral investment that goes on between our countries. Let me be the first to offer myself to visit Singapore. It's always a favourite of mine to visit, after all I am fluent in Mandarin and I always like to get some practice.

Yours Sincerely,
Kevin Rudd,
Prime Minister of Australia."

 

[Jace]

To the Prime Minister of Australia, The Kingdom of Singapore would like to thank both you and the Australian people for their strong ties and support, both new and long-standing. We are very much aware of the ties our two nation have held in the past, and his highness has directed me to move forwards with a mutual attempt to re-establish these strong ties moving forwards. That is, as long as the Australian government has no qualms with recognizing the legitimate rule of his highness, King Wei. We assume that won't be a problem, and will henceforth make preparations for your eventual arrival. On a final note, his highness wishes to inform you that you are free to speak English during your visit. It is a language accustomed to our people, and the official dialect used in foreign affairs. With regards, Yusef bin Ahmad Secretary of Foreign Affairs

 

[Owen]

Kevin would turn to his Advisor on South East Asian Affairs, "It's a bit suss they suddenly got a monarchy and some random is now King? I mean they have no history of a monarchy, so I have no idea how they picked this 'King', anyway.."

The Prime Minister would department in the Commonwealth 1 car towards Canberra Airport, the RAAF Fairbairn section of the airport. There he would board a RAAF Boeing 737BBJ bound for Changi with his wife, Therese. He would have advisors and assistants from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade along with 10 members of his protective security detail from the Australian Federal Police. This would be the first international trip that the Prime Minister has undertaken since coming into office. Onboard he would enjoy a glass of champagne and some sweet and sour pork and fried rice for dinner.

 

[Jace]

Much to Yusefs' word, preparations began almost immediately within the confines of the King's royal compound. Military and Law officials put together a route to and from the airport, although that's not to say they were expecting anything to happen. Once a route was established and secured, everything else quickly fell into place after that.

Vincent himself would seemingly be a bit anxious in anticipation of the Prime Minister's arrival. It would be the first interaction that his young (and arguably fragile) government would have with another power of note. Accompanied by an entourage of his closest ministers and advisers, Vincent would bring him with only a handful of security forces to the airport. A trio of custom-built Escalade trucks would drive right onto the tarmac in anticipation of the delegation. Checking his watch, Vincent estimated it wouldn't be too much longer. In the mean time he'd lean against one of the Escalades while his retainers busied themselves around their respective vehicles.

 

[Owen]

The Prime Minister's plane would come into land into Singapore-Changi Airport. It would park in an area away from the main 3 terminals. Once the staircase had been attached to the plane, half of the security detail would walk out and secure the perimeter around the plane, the Prime Minister would walk out with his wife and the other half of the security detail behind him. He would be met on the tarmac by the High Commissioner of Australia to Singapore, Mr. Bruce Gosper. He would shake his hand. He would walk up to the King and the Secretary. He would shake both of their hands.

"Your Majesty, it's a pleasure to finally meet you....... Mr. Ahmad, likewise to you."

 

[Jace]

The King would greet the Prime Minister with a smile as he shook his hand. "The pleasure is all mine, Prime Minister." He'd begin, flashing a smile in the direction of his guests. Yusuf bin Ahmad, his Secretary of Foreign Affairs, remained quiet at the King's side for the most part, although he would return the Prime Minister's greeting shortly after the King finished speaking.

Vincent would interject soon after, his hands coming together in somewhat of an eccentric clap. "Let me officially welcome you to the Kingdom of Singapore, Prime Minister." He would gesture towards the Black Escalade behind him with a smile. "I've arranged transportation back to the Royal Palace, if you're ready to proceed, that is." Vincent would continue to smile as he gracefully turned towards the vehicle and opened the door on his own. Truth be told, he was quite tired of standing, and he assumed his guests wouldn't mind the change of venue either.

 

[Owen]

The Prime Minister would enter the car along with his wife, two security personnel and his personal assistant. The rest of the delegation would enter the other cars and the RAAF crew would begin preparing the plane for its return to Australia. They would stay in the Airport Hotel while they waited for the visit to be concluded. The Prime Minister would look out the window to the thriving metropolis of Singapore.

"Such a gem and a wonder of South East Asia. Truly a miraculous story of growth and prosperity that not many countries in the world can attest to."

 

[Jace]

The route they were on was designed to be rather scenic, taking them through both culturally important and economically-developed parts of the city. The convoy would enjoy a pleasant ride to the Royal Palace, and Vincent would smile as the Prime Minister complemented his country on the way there. "One could say the same about your own country of Australia as well, Prime Minister." He'd reply as Yusuf -- sitting next to him -- reached over and handed Vincent a glass of bourbon on the rocks. Drinks would be offered to the rest of the occupants after the King received his first.

"It is undoubtedly due to the blood and sweat of our ancestors that Singapore was able to acheive what it already has." Vincent looked out the window at the vast skyline they drove past. "Their sacrifices won't be in vein, Prime Minister, and I do hope the Australian people will be there in support, as we would do for them."

 

[Owen]

"Absolutely, Australians are very fond of Singapore and I know many come here annually to visit. They love it." The Prime Minister would take a sip of his drink, awaiting their arrival to the royal palace.

 

[Jace]

Vincent would smile and nod at the Prime Minister. Indeed, his nation was lucky to be a jewel in the Southeast Pacific, visited by many foreigners. The convoy would drive by a few more scenic sites along the way to the Royal Palace. Located in the hear of Singapore's governmental district, the convoy wouldn't draw too much attention during its short trip to the palace.

Once there, they would be taken inside into a large meeting room, furnished and including extra amenities for the comfort of the King's guests. A medium-sized mahogany table sat in the middle of the room with enough chairs for the Prime Minister and Vincent alone. Once the room was cleared, Vincent would pour himself another glass of Bourbon before sitting at the table. "Help yourself to anything, Prime Minister." Vincent would gesture towards the assortment of drinks and Hors d'oeuvres. Once the Prime Minister was settled in, Vincent would begin speaking.

He tapped at the half-gone glass of bourbon, the ice shuffling around in the glass. "To begin, Prime Minister, I am a firm believer in Singapore's ability...no, it's responsibility to become a more permanent fixture on the world stage. Starting with our own backyard of course." Vincent gleamed with a mixture of excitement and joy. "I am certain that strong ties between our nation will be integral to maintain a semblance of stability in Asia. Perhaps not now, Prime Minister, but the day will soon come."

 

[Owen]

"Yes, we too welcome a strong and prosperous Singapore that, regardless of its geographical size, can be an integral part and player in the wider Asia-Pacific region. We always see Singapore as a country which we can relate to well, given its democracy, its free market and its overall belief in individual rights and freedoms, likewise we do. We have many proposals to strengthen our ties and may I say that Australia is looking to establishing its first Free Trade Agreement with Singapore. We're not quite total firm believers in free trade, we have an uptmost responsibility to protect Australian industries and workers, but we see the opportunities with Singapore as too great not too miss."

 

[Jace]

"I am honored, if that's the case, to sign into existence the first Free Trade Agreement between our two nations." Vincent would momentarily raise his glass to his lips, then nonchalantly looked through a few files sitting on his side of the table. "And while I look forwards to the economic prosperity free trade will bring, I am also eager to increase our ties militarily as well. We are currently in the process of a rapid modernization, as well as the expansion of all three branches of our royal armed forces. It is a monstrous task to take on by ourselves, as one might expect, but very much necessary."

 

[Owen]

"Hmm, yes there is opportunities to collaborate on that front as well. We have many opportunities available for bilateral training exercises and the exchanging of training units in our two countries. Namely we have a Training Company which is looking to deploy into a South East Asian country for training in more equatorial climate conditions and to enhance the Army's international engagement strategy in the region."

 

[Jace]

"Hmm. A training company, you say?" Vincent ponders on his next words for a few moments. "Considering the bare-bones nature of our Air force, I can confirm we have the capacity to house both men and equipment at a couple of our airbases. Sembawang and Tengah Airbases respectively. Unless you had any suggestions of your own, Prime Minister?"

 

[Owen]

"Yes, currently under 6th Brigade in the Australian Army. There is about 250 of them along with 15 Bushmaster Protective Mobility Vehicles. We would need accomodation for the 250 men along with appropriate sheds to fit 15 Bushmasters."

 

[Jace]

Vincent nodded at the Prime Minister's words. Calling in Yusuf, he would step to the side and seemingly discuss with him details regarding the country's airbases. Once he was satisfied with his answer, Vincent sent him away and returned back to his guest.

"Very well, Prime Minister. The men under 6th Brigade shall be hosted at Sembawang Airbase, along with any hardware and equipment they bring along."

 

[Owen]

"Very well, we are in agreement then. They should be transported over shortly. We have the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement written up already." The Prime Minister would pass the King a copy: https://dfat.gov.au/trade/agreements/in-force/safta/official-documents/Pages/default.aspx

"It should be adequate enough to satisfy both parties. Please let us know if there is any problems."

 

[Jace]

Vincent looks through the documents intently, only breaking the momentary silence with the occasional sip of his bourbon. "I believe we've come to an agreement then." He would sign off on the FTA without further delay after confirming it was beneificial to Singapore.

 

[Owen]

The Prime Minister would also sign the document. He would shake the King's hand as the press cameras flashed, capturing the historical moment.

"Your Highness, this is a great day for our bilateral relations and this agreement will bring much prosperity and economic cooperation between our countries."

 

[Jace]

Vincent would reciprocate the handshake and smile at the press camera's currently flashing in their faces. "I have faith that our agreement will work out for the better, Prime Minister, and I look forwards to personally visiting the men of 6th. brigade when they arrive."