[POR] State visit to Spain

[Strix]

@Zak

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After preparation of a few weeks a couple of debates, and careful consideration, Portugal's Prime Minister, Paulo Carlos Estevão, Albino Pinho the Chief of staff of the Army, and both of their associates would be given the go signal by the Royal Assembly, and would then board a Government-sponsored flight, TP 1026, on an airbase in Sintra. They would be diligent in carrying drafts of documents ranging from treaties, Free Trade Agreements, and even a new potential organization. They would also be accompanied by a small security detail consisting of 15 men from the 1st Infantry Battalion. The whole event is allowed to be documented and be broadcasted to the Portuguese people, a risky move by the new government.


"Tower, this is Monarch one, are we cleared for takeoff?"


"Monarch one, cleared for take-off runway zero-one."


"Cleared for take-off runway zero-one, Monarch one."



A private message would be sent to the Spanish government notifying of the departure. Numerous media outlets were found near the airbase, only catching a glimpse of the aircraft as it takes off.

 

[Zak]

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The Spanish Government would authorise the deployment of the Central Protection Unit of the National Police Corps to Getafe Air Base where they would prepare for the arrival of the Portuguese Prime Minister. The motorcade would receive an escort from other units within the National Police Corps as well as an escort from the Traffic Services Department within the Civil Guard. It was now a waiting game as they waited for the Portuguese Prime Minister to land in Spain.

@Strix

 

[Strix]

@Zak

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​

The aircraft was visible from the airbase, and was beginning its decent. The standard landing procedures were followed thorough, and within a few minutes, the Portuguese Prime Minister and his associates would be on the ground. The smell of fresh air hits their faces as they proceed down on the ramp. They would see the security detail and would compliment the Spanish Government for doing so.

The diplomatic mission would continue as scheduled, and would now be readying themselves for the talks.

 

[Zak]

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The motorcade would leave Getafe Air Base as it made its way into the center of Madrid towards the Palace of Moncloa, the home of the Prime Minister of Spain. The journey was all over within around sixteen minutes as the gates of the Palace of Moncloa opened and the motorcade proceeded in.

Iván Redondo was waiting at the front of the residence, he opened the door to the Portuguese Prime Minister's car and welcomed him out.

"Mr Prime Minister, I am Iván Redondo and I am Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Sanchez. Unfortunately, the Prime Minister cannot host you at the moment because he has been summoned to deal with a pressing issue within Catalonia but has asked me to take over the meeting until he has come back."

@Strix

 

[Strix]

@Zak

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The Portuguese arrive
​

The dimplomatic mission was impressed with how the Spanish do things, quick and efficient. They find it wonderful that everything seems to be going well so far. Stepping outside the car, Paulo Estevão took in the fresh scent of Spanish air and walked towards the marvelous Palace. Paulo was firm and confident on landing a deal that would benefit both countries, as Portugal's government is still very new, it is important to acquire trustworthy allies early on.

"Good Morning Mr. Iván Redondo, it is a pleasure to meet you."

He paused for a while, carefully choosing his words.

"While it is indeed a shame that I couldn't meet with the Prime Minster himself, I do understand the situation, and I hope that everything goes well with the crisis in Catalonia."

He waited for a while and gestured to his assistant, a young man, to bring him his briefcase, containing documents and drafts.

"So, shall we begin the talks?"

 

[Zak]

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Iván Redondo would guide the Prime Minister into the Palace of Moncloa and through a section of corridors before they arrived into the Tàpies Room, the room where the Prime Minister received his foreign guests but not on this occasion, it was left down to the Chief of Staff to handle business until his return. A selection of drinks and tapas would be laid out on the table for the Prime Minister to help himself.

"Well, Mr. Prime Minister, it's a pleasure to have you here in Madrid and we are glad to see Portugal thriving on the international stage. I want to take the time on behalf of the Kingdom of Spain to congratulate you on your election victory and hope that Portugal and Spain can become as close as it was in the past, the Iberian Peninsula represents nearly 60 million people across our two regions so we believe that an important friendship with our neighbor is a high priority. How are things back in Lisbon? Busy I expect?"

The Chief of Staff took a sip of water, opening his notepad to take notes.

@Strix

 

[Strix]

@Zak

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​

"Thank you for your kind words Mr Redondo, and yes, things are indeed busy back in Lisbon, we had to shut down a few protests and of course, restructuring the government was a hard and an underestimated task. Nonetheless, we are indeed trying to make a name for ourselves in the international sense, and acquiring allies early on is always a good choice."

He chuckled and opened his briefcase to get a manila envelope containing documents. The atmosphere full of cheer and hope on establishing a new era of Portuguese history. A few of the Portuguese talked to themselves silently, taking in the scenery and discussing on other topics.

"Now, Portugal's primary objectives in foreign affairs is to have bilateral economic and military relations with Spain and as such,"

He opens the envelope, handling out a copy of a treaty of what seems to be groundwork for an international organization.

"So any thoughts on the matter?"

 

[Zak]

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Iván Redondo took the copy of the treaty from the Portuguese leader and leaned back into his chair as he began to read through the treaty. He knew that this would bring Spain and Portugal closer together and that was what the Prime Minister of Spain would want. After reading through the treaty, he would hand it over to an aide who would leave the room bound for the Congress of Deputies which was a short ten minute drive away.

"Mr. Prime Minister, what you have proposed here will be a ground breaking step towards securing an alliance between our two countries, I'm sure that the Prime Minister would sign it when you meet with him soon, I have sent it off to the Congress of Deputies, our parliament for the document to be voted on and if everything goes to plan then it should be signed before you leave today."

He smiled, pouring some water into one of the glasses on the table, he then took a seat as he awaited a response.

@Strix

 

[Strix]

@Zak

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"I knew you'd like it"

He chuckled and poured water for himself, the other Portuguese officials laughing with the Prime Minister and exchanging jokes with their Spanish guests. The meeting then went on with the Portuguese asking the Spanish on ideas on how to improve the treaty that they have drafted, eager to change what was written, as the treaty is not only of Portugal, but of Spain as well.

"I believe your Government may have ideas on ammending this treaty, and we are eager to listen to your suggestions, as it isn't Portugal's treaty but both of our wonderful countries."

 

[Zak]

"From what I can tell, from our side, it doesn't need amending but I would like to recomend a headquarters for the council to meet as soon as possible rather than waiting to travel from Madrid to Lisbon and vice versa. What are your opinions on this? Maybe it could be held on the border, something similar to that of the Korean DMZ meeting zone, obviously here it would be on a less profile."

He chuckles, waiting for a response.

@Strix

 

[Strix]

@Zak

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"Hm, I would proudly support this decision, after all, it is within our mutual interest for this organization to be a reality someday. For our suggestions on where the headquarters would be built, I suggest putting it near the historical Ponte Romana de Segurra, with a Demilitarized zone of a radius of 2.5km.

We also need to build a new facility in order to accommodate the committee. I suggest that an airstrip would be made nearby for quick access, although this would be a temporary landing site until we can manage to build a more dedicated landing strip. This would of course cost money, and I would like to ask you for any suggestions on the price tag? Of course both of our countries must pay the amount for it to be fair."

The Prime Minister checks his wrist watch and notices that it's almost Eleven.

"So shall wrap this up? I'm getting a little hungry."

He joked and the Portuguese delegation gave a little chuckle, lightening up the room.

 

[Zak]

"We will be able to faciliate these demands and will be in contact with your government once the appropriate measures have been taken. Yes, let's go and eat. I am pretty hungry myself!"

Iván chuckles, guiding the Portuguese Prime Minister back to the main entrance where they would enter a BMW armoured vehicle which would drive off towards a local restaurant which had been fully prepared for the arrival of the two politicians. Security remained high as the restaurant had closed to paying customers apart from those which included the two politicians.

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The two leaders would be shown to their seats by the restaurant owner who had presented them with a menu card, since it was one of the best restaurants in Madrid, the food was of an exceptional quality and all ingredients were fresh daily. The meal consisted of the following dishes:

Appetiser: Salt cod croquettes in nut crust with polenta chips


Starter: Scallops with Broccoli and Cauliflower risotto


Main Course: Venison steak with charred onion and buttered mashed potato with a jus sauce


Desert: Apple crumble with custard​

A waiter came over and handed the two politicians a drinks menu, Iván ordered a glass of the Sierra Cantabria Teso La Monja Toro wine. The waiter waited for the Portuguese Prime Minister to choose a drink.

@Strix

 

[Strix]

"I'll go for a Matador Perreno, heard that that's one of the best wines in Spain, if I am mistaken, then just give me what drink you recommend."

The Minister would then look at awe at the various delicacies that presented themselves in front of him. And would then eat along with his fellow politician, and would be very delighted at the food provided.

"You weren't joking when you said the 'finest' restaurant in Spain are you?"

He commented, and continued onto eating his meal. The flavours were rich and colorful, making him wish for more.

After a while, he would finish eating his food, and would wait for the wine to arrive. He would then ask his fellow diplomatic personnel for the schedule that was provided. After receiving the schedule, he would read it with close intent, and would be waiting for his Spanish associate to either finish eating, or for the two to continue on as scheduled.

 

[Strix]

@Zak

 

[Strix]

@Zak