[Norway] Phone Call to Sweden + Diplomacy

[Odinson]

"I'm happy you mentioned Gotland..." he said as he admired the dish that was brought out for him. "I was actually going to ask you about that as well. As I'm sure you know, the Crown has been given the authority to conduct and handle Foreign Affairs upon the advice of the government... His Majesty is still a young man now, considering he is in his mid-twenties, but I knew him when he was even younger. I was actually one of his professors while he was in university, and we had similar interests." Leif's hands were folded on the table before him. On one finger was his wedding band, while the other which was usually occupied with his gold Masonic ring was left bare. He normally didn't wear it to diplomatic functions, but in truth, it was one of the "shard interests" that he and Enoch had.

"I'm normally not in the business of even hosting state visits, but the Foreign Ministry felt that it would be more than appropriate for one of our Nordic brothers. The government hasn't exactly expressed this publicly, but our position on Gotland is that the former Swedish government should have never relinquished it. Beyond that, the Conservative Party has yet to develop a layered opinion on the matter... Part of the issue is that we consider the United Kingdom to be a natural friend and ally of Norway. Our admiration for the British, though, will not blind us from doing whatever the right thing is. If you would like a mediator in the future for whatever negotiations you may want to have with the United Kingdom, we would be happy to participate. At the very least, it would be nice to know what the people of Gotland think about the situation, and if they have their own devolved government.

"But yes, anyway..." he listened to the Swede's questions about Norway and nodded. "Yes, well Russian activity always concerns the Ministry of Defense, but the Russian governments we have lived through so far have shown no hostility to us. Our country very rarely gets into political disputes with others - we prefer to be loved by all if possible - but an aggressive Russia would potentially be a problem. We have joined the ETO, which I hope will be of benefit to Norway. I would really like to see our country build relationships outside of Europe, such as the United States and the Philippines."

@Connor

 

[Connor]

Stefan nods, listening curiously and carefully to the Norwegian Prime Minister whilst he talks - occasionally glancing past the character into the distance to observe passing commotion.

"I have to say that since my appointment in office and my government taking strong shape within Sweden I am disappointed to hear about a lot of actions taken by the government that precedes me - many of which have had significant political backlash not only publicly but within our own policies too. I can appreciate your position on Gotland and I particularly mark respect with your reference to the Nordic region because the task of regaining this small pieces of territory is not only of significant political motivation to reunite Sweden but also an ethical line which I believe needs to be addresses thoroughly. It has to be said that I have no doubt the British are running Gotland just fine, the people of Gotland are almost certainly safe, secure and well nourished - There is definitely no 'dirty water' between Sweden and the United Kingdom, trust me.

Despite my government attempting a similar 'loved by all' scenario, the reputation we hold has not allowed that and I now find myself constantly fighting a wave of catastrophic media articles or social media feeds. I'd certainly appreciate you mediating any decisions made with Gotland and I only want to act in their best interests so gathering Norwegian, British, Swedish and dependants of Gotland around a table to discuss is the most civil and appropriate action to take in the first instance. Norway, as a mediator, will dissolve any bad blood between us and the British as a result of French trade action or Brazilian media backlash."

A short silence and a body language change indicates a change of subject as Stefan leans into the table holding his own hands in front of himself.

"I'll be very honest with you and I think I've made it very clear in the short subjects we've discussed so far that I'm absolutely heart-struck on Scandinavian safety and security. I think Sweden has a necessity to do everything it can to secure our small community in and around the Baltic Sea and ensure the people that reside inside our boundary are safe, fed, clean, housed and so on... I guarantee we hold the same belief. Regional projects such as my Maritime Search and Rescue teams, Gotland and of course Norwegian/Swedish relations are stepping stones into a very bright distant future. Wouldn't you agree?"

@Odinson

 

[Odinson]

"If I may speak plainly," Leif said as he pealed a shrimp, "what matters now is that you are here. By your character and the enthusiasm that I sense from your nation, I feel that your government is here to stay. I can honestly say that I look forward to working with you and the rest of the Swedish government. Prime Minsiter Löfven, if I may be so blunt, Sweden is the closet thing to a brother that Norway may have. Despite the trials and tribulations that Sweden has gone through, I pledge me utmost abilities to assist you and the Swedish government in remaining stable and being a sovereign power.

"While it may seem bleak, and it may seem unlikely, I think there is a reasonable compromise on Gotland that would leave, Sweden and the United Kingdom bother very satisfied. Regardless of that outcome, I stand by my resolution that the Swedes are our brothers. For a time we were in a united nation, and for a time we were repressed by the Danes. But eternally, we have been united as Scandinavians. Quite frankly, Mister Löfven," Leif said after briefly chewing a shrimp and swallowing it, "I would like to consider Sweden an ally of Norway. I hope you would forgive me in saying this, but before that could be made official, I would need us to write something up. In unofficial terms, however, I consider Sweden a brother of Norway, as I'm sure His Majesty the King does as well."

@Connor

 

[Connor]

Stefan nods as the Leif speaks, wiping his mouth gracefully with a white cloth from the table.

"The international default at the moment appears to be war, violence, military action and outright aggression which is completely unnecessary and scales situations way outside of their reasonable boundaries. As I've said I hold no grudge against the British for their claim of Gotland nor do I intend to have any form of physical fight over the island - just a reasonable, mature conversation in-which we can discuss the views of either party to come to a reasonable compromise. Your support in this is very much appreciated and you have my word that I'm a man of reason, as if my government, we don't intend to cause conflict over this."

He nods before continuing...

"There is no doubt in my mind that Norway is a brother to Sweden and it's our job to develop this historic bond into something of substance in the modern world. I'd love to see an alliance between us in which we can formalise our bond - the necessity to have this in writing goes without saying. I look forward to a strong and prosperous future between us."

@Odinson

 

[Odinson]

"I'm happy to hear that you're not a madman," he said, jokingly. "I think we will work well together." Leif started to finish his meal and took in the view they had.

"I think we've covered a lot of ground here today. Like I said, we consider the British a natural ally, just as we do Sweden, so it's a relief to know that you mean them no harm and just want to work things out. I've probably kept you here long enough," he said, "but the meal is on me. I really appreciate your time. is there anything else you would like to discuss, Prime Minister?"

@Connor

 

[Connor]

"Well... You haven't seen me when I've woken up in the morning" Stefan chuckles to himself as he wipes his mouth "Prime Minister, I honestly look forward to our future, I take it you will have some form of agreement organised in the coming weeks that we can ratify to formalise our discussions this afternoon?"

"I think we've covered everything I could think of... Mr Prime Minister it's been an absolute pleasure and please send my regards to the king for his fantastic restaurant recommendations!"

@Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Holt got up and shook his hand, "I'll take you back to the airport. I'm sure the King will be happy to hear that you enjoyed the food," he said as they started to walk out the door. The Royal Police escorted them both there and, once the Prime Minister was safely on his way home, Holt returned to Oslo.

@Connor