[TURKEY] The Doctor & The Minister

[Retroliser]

"Well, turning this into a free trade agreement is definitely something that's possible," Doctor Mason remarked, as he readied his cutlery and began to feast upon the cheesy goodness placed in front of him. "However, it would have to be a very specific one. The Restorationists, the party that picked me, are a very cautious bunch. They fear for Turkish jobs if Turkey were to engage in a general free-trade arrangement, like The EU did before it collapsed. They wish to keep all options open, so they can work for Turkish citizens first, foreign interests second. A stance, I am sure, you understand and would support. Since you're not elected to pander to the needs of foreign powers, your duty and loyalty lies firmly with The German People, and their wellfare!"

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Retroliser

"Of course," Karsten agreed after he swallowed his first bite, "A country's loyalties should come first, more than the affairs of another. That being said, I hope that an agreement could be reached to where both parties benefit equally, more than one's own national bias over the other, but that's only my wish." He then took another bite of the sausage he was currently digging into, waiting for his compatriot's own input on that matter.

 

[Retroliser]

"Well, I wouldn't say that I'm biased, old chap. That would require me to have loyalties to the government and the country. They do not have my loyalty, they merely give me instructions." He replied. "As for mutually beneficial arrangements, they are fundamental in most diplomatic engagements. I dare say this conversation is proof of that. Would you have agreed if I had just asked that you buy Turkish goods? Doubtful, there's no benefit to Germany. No, it requires understanding of what the other party in diplomacy wants, followed by how you can satisfy those desires in a manner that benefits you."

 

[NagandEmerald]

"You make an excellent case for why I would endorse a free-trade agreement for Turkish interests," — the Federal Foreign Minister's cheerful expression dropped somewhat at what he was about to say next — "but I also dare-say that Germany does not have products that would truly be beneficial bar our motor vehicle and pharmaceutical exports. For the general public of Turkey, our primarily useful products would include commercial motor vehicles and perhaps some electronic products that we produce, but most of our exports are for specialized fields, such as the pharmaceutical field or production lines." Karsten then took a sip of his water, clearing his throat as he continued.

"While I would assume the Turkish government to be interested in such fields, I would also wish to benefit the Turkish people with our primary exports, only two of which could arguably be for the civilian market en-masse. I can certainly convince my government to open up a free-trade agreement, but the question is whether or not our ambassadors in Turkey could convince your government similarly. I hope you understand that I am simply looking at the logical perspective, more than the immediate benefits as well, doctor."

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Retroliser

 

[Retroliser]

"Well, markets, no matter how small, are always welcome for business," He countered. "Even though machinery is a very specialist item that will only be used by industry, there is still a lot of it that needs new machines to start production or update old ones. However, your suggestion of pharmaceuticals does concern me a little. I must confess that such a product is something that has more impact than electronics and motor cars. I trust you understand that if Turkey were to put a framework in place that makes itself available for the sale of German pharmaceuticals, it will also want to impose strict criteria upon how they were tested. I am sure you are aware of the cost of pharmaceuticals that haven't been tested properly. Prime example is thalidomide, which has caused numerous stillbirths and malformations in children.

I'm not for a moment suggesting that German companies in that sector are inherently corrupt and eager to cut corners, however it is always wise to make sure. After all, when dealing with humans, one can never be truly sure of where their loyalties lie... With the welfare of the people, or the status of their corporate accounts."

 

[NagandEmerald]

"Indeed," Karsten agreed, placing a hand on his chin in thought as he took another bite of his sausage and sauerkraut.

"But, I suppose such challenges are always facing our governments when establishing trade deals and the like. Regardless, is there anything else you would like to discuss?" the minister then looked to his left wrist to see the time. He'd been talking about this for around 20 minutes, and knew that he still had much paperwork to go through back at his office.

 

[Retroliser]

"Not that I'm aware of, good sir," The doctor murmured. "Trade, weapons... No, I think that covers everything. When I head back to the embassy, I'll see about having The Board Of Trade and Foreign Ministry in Turkey putting together some paperwork to forward to yourself and the Minister of Finance and Economic Cooperation, Herr Hierl, for perusal and alteration. How does that sound?"

 

[NagandEmerald]

"That sounds perfect, mein Freund," the minister stated with confidence in his voice. Upon finishing the rest of his food, he stood up and extended his hand to shake the ambassador's.

"Danke shön for the lunch. Have a pleasant day Dr. Mason." Karsten, upon leaving his portion of the meal paid for, stepped back out into the cold to head back to his office. Looking up at the sky, he knew that weather was not looking good...hopefully it wasn't as bad as people were saying it was going to be.

 

[Retroliser]

The doctor returned the handshake and sat back down to finish the final few mouthfuls of food. With the final forkful eaten, he sat back and savoured the feeling of sated hunger for a few minutes before returning to the embassy.