First Iberian Summit

[Jamie]

"That's perfect, I'll put a draft agreement together for cooperation on maritime trade and get these sent to both of your offices within the next month to be reviewed on an individual basis. We can then schedule a call to iron out any final details before setting a date to sign them. In the meantime, if you have any further suggestions for it, please do let me know." the Prime Minister paused, taking a note. Naturally, the agreement would be delegated to the appropriate person within government. He fell silent to allow the Spanish Prime Minister to speak, referring to the Canadian-French state of war. He simply nodded "I've been made aware and those within my cabinet have already agreed that the UK will not be getting involved unless it hits mainland Europe.", Lawrence stopped speaking for a moment before taking a hopeful leap to keep the summit to the agenda. "Is there any further discussions we ought to have regarding the talk of maritime trade, if not, I may need reminding what's next on the agenda." Zak Bruno

 

[Bruno]

“Yes, I believe we can move with our Agenda. If both are willing, we can discuss that event, privately in the House of Belém. The President would look towards the agenda and see that many were merged with trade, as such he would move to VI- Security and Defense Cooperation. He would begin speaking.”

He would pause and shuffle between his notes, drinking glass water.

“I wish to address a matter of great importance which is point VI the security and defense cooperation in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in near the straits of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. We must share responsibility between our nations for the security of this strategic region, Europe continues to suffer from external nations assailing it. Just recently there was a great cooperation between our three nations in protecting each other's interests in this area, so I would like to propose the establishment of a trilateral mechanism for regular consultations on security and defense matters. This platform could serve as a means for our nations to collaboratively address common threats, share intelligence, and devise coordinated response strategies. This initiative, I believe, is vital for fostering a collective defense posture. Additionally, I suggest exploring joint military exercises and training programs to enhance our defense capabilities and improve interoperability. By undertaking joint patrols in maritime and border areas, we can further strengthen our surveillance and response capabilities, ensuring a more robust defense network. For example, Portugal would very much like to work together with Britain and Spain in anti-piracy and anti-contraband operations near the straits. I would also like to recommend the establishment of a joint cybersecurity task force. This task force will focus on addressing common cyber threats and vulnerabilities, pooling our expertise and resources to fortify our defenses in the digital realm. We would pioneer a headquarter-less agency, where a section of our intelligence agencies would be cooperating with each other simultaneously. I believe that by working together in intelligence, defense capabilities, and cybersecurity, we can collectively ensure the safety and stability of the Iberian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, the pond and the straits. I look forward to your thoughts on these proposals, gentlemen!”

Zak Jamie​

 

[Jamie]

"I concur" responded Lawrence "Security and Defence of all three territories affect the other so coordination is invaluable. I think a good starting point would be what you've already mentioned and that would be training exercises. We'd sooner iron out any issues with communication and make sure our forces can be interoperable before putting them in a live scenario again; if we can help it. I'd also suggest that any exercises start smaller and gradually build up in mass. Perhaps we could aim for a joint UK-POL-SPA exercise every couple of years? Rotating around each of us to host.

I think an Iberian Defence Committee of some form would be beneficial to manage any exercises or operations within the region, maybe that would be the best step. Forming such a committee would allow subject matter experts to put together the plans to enhance our defensive cooperation going forward. They could cover, as you've proposed, a cyber security task force, patrols, etc." Zak Bruno

 

[Zak]

"I also agree some form of Iberian Defence Committee would be beneficial. At the end of the day, our three countries represent the Iberian Peninsula and with the Strait of Gibraltar being one of the focus points in world topics these days, if any militaries are sailing by our territories then I'm sure we'd want to pass intelligence on about said foreign military deployments. I also like the idea of tri-military exercises which will allow the close working partnerships with each of our militaries.

I can have a liaison officer posted from Spain's National Intelligence Center to London and Lisbon to work alongside British and Portuguese intelligence organisations respectively and I urge you both to do something similar if we adopt the idea. This will obviously not allow us to see each others intelligence operations unless expressed permission is given by respective countries. It is more a liaison role to coordinate efforts of British, Portuguese and Spanish intelligence organisations in the event that we need to mobilise our capabilities or work together in intelligence operations."

Bruno Jamie

 

[Bruno]

He would concur with both. "I believe this would benefit us greatly, especially in the security of this region, given that our three nations could easily detect, monitor and engage in a fast pace, if our resources are pulled together to the same goal in mind. I'll give an example, Portugal could detect many boats engaging in piracy, but it would be unable to act in time, in turn Portugal would inform Britain and Spain, so that they could engage faster than Portugal alone could do. This cooperation between agencies could even be expanded further towards other area. But I believe its focus should be on Iberia first. As such, it would be prudent to follow Spain's idea, and have one representative of your agencies meet together in Spain to discuss the means, ways and protocols to follow on this joint cooperation."

Jamie
Zak

 

[Jamie]

"I'm glad we're all in agreement, we'd be happy to commit our Defence Minister to a meeting in Spain to begin those talks and get the ball rolling on military cooperation in the area; perhaps we can leave it to them to write an agreement up to match too. I suppose the only question is, when? I can arrange for Defence Secretary Jason Green to visit Spain in December or January if there's availability at your sides?" asked the Prime Minister "Naturally the focus would be on defence around the Iberian region but we'd be open to participating in exercises together elsewhere." Zak Bruno

 

[Bruno]

"Yes, I believe that, we could book such a meeting for January, when the new government budgets are approved, I believe Cadiz could serve as a great meeting place!" He would pause. "It is natural that our three nations should focus deeply on the security of this region, especially given recent events around this area. It's a big commercial highway, it stands between European Mediterranean and the Atlantic, it as all the key aspects for an important strategic area." He would pause, and wait for any more remarks before continuing with the agenda.

"Now If everyone is in agreement, we shall follow up to our last point in our agenda which is VII., I believe that we all should give our views of the current global challenges that my threats the stability of the Iberian Region alongside. Now it is clear that for the Portuguese Republic, the current Canadian-Franco war is a massive concern to our national security, especially considering the possibility of an armed conflict in Europe....the Economic hit by Sparrow Industries reduction and closure which affected the global economy in an unprecedented form is also worrying, however most economy managed to tank the hit, and I also make a passing mentions the incursions and influences from non-western nations in this area which undermine European nations sovereignties. I believe, that Iberia is deeply connected with Europe, as it should be, and everything that affects Europe, affects Portugal. We are witnessing a paradigm shift, where Europe is ceasing to be one of the economic and military powerhouses in the world, it is being constantly bombarded with terrorist attacks, which makes Europe completely open for right wing extreme policies. I believe that our three nations must cooperate together to cement European sovereignty and its security, making detail plans to align our foreign policies, cooperate in military operations and exercises, and build a unified democratic front to stem and outright prevent incursions and influences from non-western nations. I would like to know your views to and ideas."

Jamie Zak

 

[Jamie]

"Perfect, providing our Spanish colleagues are content with a January slot, I'm having to leave it with them to arrange at the time." smiled Lawrence "It's only a couple months away so I'm sure there can be quite a few agendas to discuss current on-going affairs in further detail. I can only echo what you've stated regarding global challenges. The Gibraltar Strait is the gateway to any conflict within the region so ought to be treated as such; joint coordination between us would help monitor it and... hopefully prevent escalation of anything in the future but time will tell.

In the last five years we've gone from constant tension in Asia and Africa, to what we're seeing now in Europe and North America. It's impossible to predict what's next but as long as we communicate, we can work through anything. Together. This summit is a prime example of what can be achieved, simply by talking. Having military prowess is a must but only as a last resort and I'm hoping that we can prove that with any issues in Iberia." Bruno Zak

 

[Bruno]

After the Prime Minister of the UK had finished, the President would proceed with the closing statements.

“Yes, I agree, Mr. Prime Minister, that military should always remain the last option after all other ventures have been expended. As we draw the curtains on this significant summit, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Lawrence and Prime Minister Sánchez. As well as their respective delegations, for their active participation and constructive contributions throughout our deliberations.

In the spirit of cooperation and on this summit, we have engaged in constructive discussions covering a wide array of topics that underscore the strength and depth of our trilateral relations. From reinforcing diplomatic ties to fostering economic collaboration, and from promoting cultural exchange to addressing global challenges, our shared commitment to cooperation has been evident. I am particularly pleased to witness the enthusiasm surrounding our discussions on the three-port cooperation, an initiative that holds immense promise for the economic prosperity of Gibraltar, Algeciras, and Sines. This venture, will be rooted in mutual understanding and shared interests, will undoubtedly pave the way for a thriving maritime trade network.

Our joint efforts in intelligence sharing against terrorism and piracy, as discussed during our Security and Defense Cooperation session, mark a significant stride towards a safer and more secure Iberian Peninsula. The commitment we've shown to supporting one another in the face of potential incursions reflects the strength of our regional unity and shared commitment to peace and stability. As we move forward, let us...not only remember the accomplishments of today but also envision the potential that lies ahead in our continued collaboration.

May our collective efforts echo the sentiment of unity and resilience that has characterized our discussions. I look forward to witnessing the tangible outcomes of our agreements and to the continued growth of the strong bond between Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Thank you once again for your dedication and engagement.”

He would wait for anything else both Prime Minister had to say as a last remark after their. After that, they would be transported over to the House of Belém, for the state dinner and gala, filled with music and cultural connections from the three nations. After the dinner and gala were finished, the President would once again thank both Prime Ministers separately, and once they were ready they would be taken to their respective Place of Rest to rest or conduct private work. On the next morning, two convoys would be waiting to take them to the airport. They would once again be accompanied by the President for a final goodbye.

Both planes would be escorted by Two F-16s from the Portuguese Air Force, until they had left Portuguese Airspace.


Jamie Zak

 

[Jamie]

Lawrence nodded in agreement to the closing statement of the Portuguese President, speaking up to offer his final remarks "There's not much I can say that hasn't already been stated other than to express my gratitude to the Portuguese Government for hosting such an important meeting and we hope to see further progress with cooperation in favor of the Iberian region between us all. The second Iberian Summit is due in 2005 and we'd be happy to host that in Gibraltar but of course, that can be discussed closer to the time. I will see to it that my office arranges the initial draft for the three-port cooperation and ensure that it makes timely progress." he concluded, marking the end of the summit and rather than waiting for his Spanish colleagues to wake up, he'd depart with the others from the UK Government to leave Portugal in a timely fashion to return to the UK.

Bruno Zak