[POR - UK] Invitation to Lisbon

[Strix]

It was midday, with most people inside their local eateries taking their lunch break. The sun was high up, shining without much cloud to worry about. Meanwhile, members of the Portuguese Parliament had just received a letter from the British Government, citing their interest in a diplomatic visit. Very quickly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was ordered to write up a draft confirming Portugal's eagerness for a visit. The Military was also informed, to let themselves prepare for the following days in waiting for the British delegation.

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Security was quickly informed of the possible visit, and thus extra measures were conducted. Police presence had been heightened around key locations, such as the airport, to prevent any possible incident. Furthermore, a security detail had been assigned to the incoming emissaries, to ensure that they are protected at all times. All they had to do now is wait for the British to arrive. The country's security had been pressured this year, as the 5 year anniversary for the Birth of the current government is drawing near, prompting various threats for any political event.

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@Jamie

 

[Jamie]

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From the United Kingdom, COYOTE004 which is a Lockheed Martin Tri-Star had departed with the planned destination as Portugal. It containing a routine security detail of 10 members of the RAF Regiment and Secretary Paige Orton who was the primary delegate.
Accompanying her were two other members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to aid the visit. They should be arriving within the next couple of hours.

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@Strix

 

[Strix]

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Minutes later, Lisbon soon received news about the incoming aircraft, and were more than eager to reach out to the incoming delegation. Moments later, Lisbon International Airport soon became a convention for the media. Hundreds of news reporters, from the local villages to the national news, flocked to the airport's boundaries, documenting the event. This has been the first time any international delegation had visited a Monarchist Portugal in decades.

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After a busy morning, an air traffic controller, notified of the visit, picked up the incoming aircraft's signal, and immediately went to work contacting the vehicle.

"COYOTE004, this is Lisbon tower, you are cleared for landing at runway...."

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The Aircraft would be allowed to land on the airport, and almost immediately, 2 military cars filled with men waited near the aircraft's parking area, with a few airport workers preparing a red carpet and a boarding ramp, accordingly. Waiting along with a few dignified officers from each branch, is Dom Modesto Martim Silveira, the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs. The men would then position themselves to provide a welcoming ceremony to their esteemed British guests.

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@Jamie

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[Jamie]

COYOTE004, having received authorisation begun it's final approach. Taking a steady descent and carrying out a successfully landing at Lisbon Airport. Following directions from Air Traffic Control to the designated parking location for the remainder of the visit. Coming to a halt, this permitted the aircraft to enter its state of 'static' and giving the clearance for the boarding ramp to connect. Following this been conducted, the British Delegate, Paige Orton and her security detail left the craft. Approaching to meet the Portuguese officials that waited for her. "Good Morning" she smiled between them.

@Strix

 

[Strix]

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A small arrival ceremony would be conducted, with soldiers dressed in their formal uniforms at both sides of the crimson path. The Portuguese officials would smile back, eager to start a new chapter in Portugal's International Relations. Modesto Silveira would then reach out his hand to welcome his guests. The other officials would follow suit.

"Welcome to Portugal my dear esteemed guests. Hope you had a smooth flight." He chuckles before continuing.

"The cars are ready to escort you to the Jerónimos Monastery for the formal welcoming ceremony."

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@Jamie

 

[Jamie]

The British Delegate nodded, "As smooth as a flight can be " she laughs, continuing with "Lead the way". Happily following her hosts to the vehicles and to participate in the welcoming ceremony. A pleasant surprise, especially for her position. Nonetheless, it was something she hadn't experienced before and welcomed it.
During their walk to the cars, she asked Modesto. "How have things been here in Portugal?"

@Strix

 

[Strix]

"Portugal has been flourishing since the referendum, and elections are due in the next following months so things are starting to heat up a bit. Nonetheless, Things have been going well." He pauses for a bit, and continues. "How about back in o Reino Unido? How are things back home?"

He waits for an answer, and then motions towards the black cars in front of them.

"You may enter these cars for the convoy. This young lad would assist you."

A young man then approaches, carrying a clipboard, and would then proceed to assist the British delegate. Silveira smiles and walks with the other officials to their assigned cars.

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The drive was short, as traffic was redirected to other routes to accommodate Portugal's first visitors in years. Police would be in the look out for any potential threats, and a few Portuguese bystanders were in awe at the incoming motorcade. RTP was allowed to cover the event in detail, and a few vans from the company were allowed to join the convoy. The event would be broadcast live nationally.

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The welcoming ceremony would then be carried on. A stage set up for the delegates and the national flags displayed proudly on the sides. A crowd was waiting with news reporters and curious citizens filling its ranks. Police presence would also be heightened, checking every person and making sure that none can enter with any dangerous intent. As the delegation would arrive, a loud roaring cheer would erupt from the onlookers, as the Foreign Minister begins to prepare his speech.

After a short introduction, the Minister would then address the visit, and remarks on how The United Kingdom had been one of Portugal's longest Allies, and how Portugal wishes to reignite the century-old relationship between the two nations. He would then nod to the delegates in appreciation. Afterwards, photographers would then take photos of the delegates along with the Portuguese officials.

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A tour of the Monastery would be offered, showcasing the years of rich Portuguese history and the beauty and elegance of it's magnificent structures. After an hour of looking at the wonderful gardens and intricate structures, they would be escorted outside. The convoy was waiting for them. They would then be informed that the next stop is The São Bento Palace, where the formal meetings would take place.

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@Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"It's a pleasure to hear of things going so well here." replied the British Delegate. "I'd like to think the same of the United Kingdom. The government has been busy focusing on internal affairs, with some diplomatic missions to really look to expand our friendships with other countries.", before smiling "Thank you" as she enters the vehicle. The duration of the trip consisted of Paige admiring the outside views, waving to a few people that waved to her. Even though they likely didn't know who she was, not really.

Working through the welcoming ceremony, it was a much bigger event than she had expected. Perhaps more resource should have been pitched to get the Prime Minister to have come given the warm greeting she had received. Following through the schedule which has allowed her to get photographed with her Portuguese counterparts, explored the Monastery in which she complimented, laughing "This place is beautiful. I don't think I want to leave."

She boarded the next convoy, ready fro Sao Bento Palace. It had been a non-stop visit. "I imagine more formal talks at the palace, so I'll hold back from raising any here. Have you come across any specific problems since you've come into office?" she curiously asked.

@Strix

 

[Strix]

"Well of course! Ever since the fall of the old government there were some republican fanatics. People are indeed hard to please. Although, one specific problem is that somehow there isn't any coffee when I need one!" The Minster joked.

The convoy would then proceed to the palace for the meetings, with media vans quickly following at a distance.

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Eventually, the British delegate would soon see the marvel of Portuguese architecture known as the Sao Bento Palace, home of the Parliament. Usually, numerous people can be seen going in and out of it's doors. This time however, a perimeter would be established for the comfort of security for the officials. Police would kindly ask the nearby reporters to not get too close to the diplomatic officials.

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As the officials start to enter the palace, the minister would lead the way to the formal meeting room. It was a sight to behold, with walls rich in fine engravings and paintings detailing old Portuguese history. The minister would look to his watch to make sure that everything is in schedule.

Two guards would wait at the marvelous door, nodding to the officials as a sign of respect, and opening it inwards, to reveal a large room and a hanging chandelier. The minister would then motion to his guests to kindly take a seat. The Portuguese officials would follow suit.

"Come, don't be intimidated by the decorations!"

A few seconds later, an assistant would enter the room. Carrying glasses of water for anyone who were dehydrated from the opening ceremony.

"Shall we start the meetings?"

 

[Strix]

@Jamie

 

[Strix]

@Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"I can't argue against you there, even if you have the majority of country supporting you, they'll always be people shouting in opposition. Fortunately we have enough coffee in the UK, we just start wars over a cup of tea instead" she replied, laughing. The journey gave her the opportunity to really take in the sights as they arrived at the Sao Bento Palace, following behind and taking the seats that were indicated too. Happy to receive the glasses of water. She took a sip and cleared her throat, nodding followed by a brief smile "Absolutely.", pausing for a moment.

"I'd just like to not only say thank you for the initial invitation, and the extending of your hand, but also for the personal service I've received since I have arrived here, entirely spoilt by everyone here.
Where would you like to begin?" she concluded.

@Strix

 

[Strix]

"Don't worry, we treat guests as if we are family members; Hospitality is a big part in being Portuguese."

The Minister would take a glass of water as he answers his British Guests. A couple of government personnel would move around documents and papers, with some handling out copies to the delegate.

"Firstly, we would like to formally open trade with the United Kingdom through trade. We believe that it would be profitable for both of our Country's Economies."

The British would find themselves holding a folder, containing a document detailing a free trade agreement between both Portugal and the United Kingdom. The Portuguese would wait for their answer in the matter, allowing time for discussions to take place. After the agreement is settled, another folder would be handed out, this time containing plans for a mutual defense treaty.

"Per his Majesty's request, I would like to extend to you a proposal for a Mutual Defense Treaty between our two nations. If a foreign adversary would dare harm our nations, this treaty would guarantee that we would help each other in combating the opposition."

They would wait for British input before continuing.

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@Jamie

 

[Jamie]

She couldn't help but smile, the hospitality shown by the Portuguese was welcome. She took a sip of water again before nodding. "Regarding the trade agreement, we would need to discuss what you are seeking to import into Portugal, a port of destination and interval. I believe a weekly transit of goods would be ideal. Please could you confirm your exports for me to decide what the UK would be interested in trading? The UK has the capacity to export the following:

Machinery
Cars
Precious Metals
Pharmaceuticals
Organic Chemicals

What is it you would be keen on receiving?

As for the Mutual Defence Treaty, I will have a review." ((Can you provide me with a draft of the treaty please)).

@Strix

 

[Strix]

The Document for the Mutual Defense Treaty would be handed out to the British for their pleasure of review. The Minister would pause a bit, seemingly trying to remember something. He then pulls out a notebook from a nearby bag and would flip through the pages.

"We wish to start a monthly import of Pharmaceuticals and Precious metals at Lisbon, in exchange for 2 types of products that we have available for export. As for the exports..."

Another document would be handed out to the British Guests. The Minister smiling as he hands them out.

"We are able to export Vehicles, Electrical Machinery and Equipment, Mineral Fuel, Computers, and Plastics."

He would wait for their response before continuing.

"Are there any more questions?"

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@Jamie

 

[Jamie]

Paige gracefully accepted the treaty and begun to have a skim read. She didn't want to go in depth for the purpose of having her host sit there patiently, plus, truth be told, defence wasn't her department. "Thank you for the draft, if you are happy to leave that with me, I will discuss it with the British Government and get back in touch with you to either accept, or request amendments to it based on our foreign policy.

As for trade, I will arrange for monthly deliveries to Lisbon of Pharmaceuticals and Precious Metals. In return, please could you arrange for the transport, monthly, of Mineral Fuel to the UK, Portsmouth?
I have no further questions."

@Strix

 

[Strix]

"Your request shall be fulfilled, I'll send you contacts of the companies who are willing to open exports to the United Kingdom, if you wish to change anything, you can directly contact them."

The Minister would smile looking at his watch and the agenda, seeing that the majority of the points have been discussed, he would motion to his compatriots that the meeting would be adjourned.

"I believe this would be a good time to end this successful meeting, we can arrange the convoy for either a private tour on restaurants and cultural sites, or for them to directly drop you off at the airport; your choice."

He stands up and gathers the documents in front of him. He would then smile at his British Guests.

"Thank you miss Paige, Portugal thanks you for opening up formal relations with the country."

The Minister would extend his hand for a handshake. A couple of security personnel were eager to escort them out of the marvelous building.

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@Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"Perfect, thank you. This would be much easier for a primary contact which allows for consistency and to ensure any issues or changes can be addressed rather quickly.
I'm happy to conclude there and have no further points, so I would like to thank you all, very very much, for your hospitality and invitation. It has been an absolute pleasure to meet you and I'd like to think this has been a major stepping stone in building the relationship between the UK and Portugal."
She would gather her documents and accessories, extending her hand to the minister that would ultimately end the meeting. Confirming her intent to return to the UK following her desire to be back with her family following the visit.

@Strix