[Ukraine]: Establishing Contact with Belgium

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Kristopher Reensma @Flying Damascas

CC:

Subject: Establishing Diplomatic Ties

Security: email encrypted and secure

Greetings to the honorable Kristopher Reensma, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium,

First and foremost, Ukraine would like to commend the Kingdom of Belgium for its resilience in the face of political unrest and economic setbacks. Like Belgium, we have faced our own struggles. Now, however, the Iron Curtain has fallen, and Ukraine may independently conduct her foreign affairs.

As the world grows increasingly connected through technology and trade, we understand the importance of maintaining peaceful and mutually beneficial international relations. We recognize Belgium as a key player on the world stage and would like to open formal talks between our two countries. First, we would like to understand Belgium’s long and short term goals. If there is an interest in commerce, Ukraine has an assortment of products to offer. We are open to discussion on any other topics which could strengthen friendly ties between nations.


Sincerely,

Borys Tarasyuk
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Republic of Ukraine

 

[Flying Damascas]

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Security Classification: CLASSIFIED Encrypted by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

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Dear Minister Tarasyuk, to you I send my fraternal greetings and good will. Belgium has undergone the process of political upheaval and economic crisis emerging triumphant in its embrace of fiscal austerity while expanding its international horizons and fields of contact. For our part, we understand that the Ukrainian people have had to endure their own challenges not the least of which was the fight for independence and freedom from Russian domination that culminated in the return of sovereignty in 1991.


It is our desire to protect our national interests in Europe and from a global prospective forge a new world order based on neutrality, cooperation, and peace between state actors while preserving our traditions and the balance of power upon which rests the law.

As far as commerce is concerned, Belgium is willing to export Beer, Foodstuffs, and Machinery into Ukraine on a biweekly basis.


Regards, Kristopher Reensma

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Belgium

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@GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Kristopher Reensma @Flying Damascas

CC:

Subject: Re: Establishing Diplomatic Ties

Security: encrypted and secure

Belgium’s successes are admirable, indeed. We would like to mirror that economic and political success in our own country.

On the topic of commerce and trade, how much would Belgium charge per shipment of these products? Also, would you be interested in any foodstuffs, petroleum products, timber, non-ferrous metals (Titanium, Mercury, Magnesium), or natural gas from Ukraine? I should note, we cannot currently ship these products, but will be able to in the near future (we have just submitted an order to a private company for some container carriers).

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your recognition of Ukraine’s struggles. The obstacles our nation faced were complicated--and still are complicated. Imperialism is a toxic ideology and an enemy of Ukrainian freedom. We do not consider the aforementioned state to be our adversary. On the contrary, we have nothing but affection for them. It is their past treatment of Ukraine, Ukrainians, and minority peoples which we despise.

Very small steps have been taken towards improving that relationship, but they are steps forward nonetheless. Speaking as an individual, I believe there is potential for further progress. As things stand, this is thankfully not an issue to cause Belgium concern. Ukraine has no interest in rekindling the Cold War. That is why we are so enthusiastic about the Non-Alignment Conference you have graciously invited us to.


Kind Regards,

Borys Tarasyuk
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Republic of Ukraine

 

[Flying Damascas]

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Security Classification: CLASSIFIED Encrypted by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

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Dear Minister Borys Tarasyuk, my sincerest apologies for the break in correspondance I'm currently replying to you via email from Cairo where the internet connection seems to leave a bit to be desired.

On a completely different note, I am most pleased to hear of your admiration for the progress achieved by my government particularly as it relates to fiscal policy and the pursuit of non alignment. Now with respect to trade, my country would be more than happy to charge an amount not exceeding $525,000,000 for three weekly shipments of foodstuffs including some of our finest beers and chocolate in exchange for three weekly shipments of crude oil.

The Belgian people are no strangers to imperialism or foreign occupation having been a victim of German military aggression during the course of two barbarious world wars and this is but the tip of the iceburg if one were to account for our colonial excesses in the Congo something which many in my country would prefer to forget in this day and age. From what I understand, Ukraine has had more than its fair share of tragedy and foreign occupation having to conduct an armed struggle along the way before winning its freedom - a prized poscession and something worth defending.

On a final note, I would like to make arrangements for a state visit to Kyiv in the first week of June to meet in person accompanied by The King of The Belgians to further discuss relations between our two nations with yourself and your country's head of state.

Regards,

Kristopher Reensma
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Belgium

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@GingeOrCringe

 

[Flying Damascas]

@GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Kristopher Reensma @Flying Damascas

CC:

Subject: Re: Establishing Diplomatic Ties

Security: encrypted and secure

Friendly greetings to Minister Kristopher Reensma,

Do not let it trouble you, I’m afraid my own response is also late. My office has grown quite busy these past few days. Please know that Ukraine continues to highly value its relations with the Kingdom of Belgium.

Respectfully, your pricing is higher than we expected. The cost is no doubt reflective of the high quality products Belgium produces. Unfortunately, this would stretch our budget more than we are comfortable with. Would Belgium consider lowering this price any further? I would also inform you that Ukraine does not have crude oil to export. We do, however, have sunflower-seed oil, which we aim to become the number one exporter of. We are well known for our production of foodstuffs, you see.

The Republic of Ukraine would most graciously welcome a visit from his Majesty and the honorable Minister! When is your availability? We could arrange for the meeting either this month or next. Of course, this once again raises the question of the non-alignment conference. Have you any more information on when it will occur? Again, Ukraine is very interested in such an arrangement.


Kind Regards,

Borys Tarasyuk
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Republic of Ukraine

 

[Flying Damascas]

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Security Classification: CLASSIFIED Encrypted by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

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Dear Minister Borys Tarasyuk, by no means am I troubled by pauses in correspondence. My office has been equally as busy with my colleagues reaching out to new emerging states in particular Mexico and South Korea. These are certainly promising times for Belgium on the world stage, however it would be especially promising with a strong and Independent ( as well as non aligned) Ukraine acting in harmony and mutual interest with Belgium as an equal partner.


I am certainly sympathetic to your opinion with regards to the pricing of my nation's exports so as a token of appreciation we are willing to reconsider and adapt accordingly: 80k for the shipment of foodstuffs and the latest consumer goods via air three times per mouth at the place of your choice in exchange for shipments of sunflower seed oil to Brussels.

His Majesty and I shall return shortly from Egypt within the next few days, I'll see to it that a courier remembers to contact you in order to provide notification of availability.

On a final note, I'm still waiting for more imput from the other nations previously invited. The conference is likely to take place as Early as October of this year or March of 1997.


Regards,
Kristopher Reensma
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Belgium

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@GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Kristopher Reensma @Flying Damascas

CC:

Subject: Re: Establishing Diplomatic Ties

Security: encrypted and secure

Fraternal greetings to the Honorable Kristopher Reensma, Minister of Foreign Affairs

We are happy to know Belgium is continuing to prosper. We also greatly appreciate your economic flexibility regarding trade. Given our similar economic and political standings, I believe Ukraine and Belgium will certainly have a friendship of equals in the coming future.

Do you think the Kingdom of Belgium would ever consider a free trade agreement with the Republic of Ukraine? Perhaps not now, but once out diplomatic relations have progressed to a point where Belgium feels comfortable? Ukraine would be willing to eliminate any and all tariffs placed on Belgian-Ukrainian trade.

On another note, the Republic of Ukraine would also like to propose a student exchange program. We would issue student visas lasting six months to one year. These would allow Belgian citizens to study at Ukrainian universities at the same cost as Ukrainian citizens. We would only require the participants to have completed one academic year of collegiate level schooling in their home country. We believe such a program would strengthen the fraternal bond between our two peoples. If this experiment goes well, perhaps a similar international program could be a point of discussion at the non-alignment conference.

Kind regards,

Borys Tarasyuk
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Republic of Ukraine

 

[Flying Damascas]

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Security Classification: CLASSIFIED Encrypted by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

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Fraternal Greetings and Solidarity to you and your country from myself and the Belgian People! I must say that we in Belgium are most fond of the bond of loyalty and trust that has been formed through consistent correspondence between ourselves and Ukraine. It can certainly be that we now have three merchant ships to utilise for trade which after being registered shall begin the first shipments as tribute for the kind brotherhood of nations alongside a friendly exchange in the realms of culture to expand the horizons of the emergent youth - the new Belgian with Ukrainians receiving free tuition for fours years in exchange for four years in Ukraine. It is my hope that this shall prove sucessfully and in time become a model for a democratic youth movement of free, neutral, civilised youths.




Regards,

Kristopher Reensma
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Belgium

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@GingeOrCringe

 

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Kristopher Reensma @Flying Damascas

CC:

Subject: Re: Establishing Diplomatic Ties

Security: encrypted and secure

to the Honorable Kristopher Reensma, Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Republic of Ukraine is very pleased to know you are interested in such proposals. We think it would be best to discuss these matters in person, as they are rather large steps in international relations. For now, I will begin drafting a formal agreement for us to discuss upon your future visit to Ukraine. We understand that this may take some time to arrange and that the Kingdom of Belgium must cultivate its ties with other states. However, we are patient. The Republic of Ukraine wishes you the utmost success in your visit with Egyptian officials.


Kind regards,

Borys Tarasyuk
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Republic of Ukraine

 

[Flying Damascas]

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Security Classification: CLASSIFIED Encrypted by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

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to Borys Tarasyuk, Minister of Foreign Affairs

I'm glad to see that the foundations of cooperation and harmonious relations has taken root in The Republic of Ukraine, furthermore, I would like to emphasize my utmost respect for you and your country's patient stance on matters of diplomatic importance. Seeing as the King and I have returned from our state visit to Egypt, we are willing to make a state visit as previously requested sometime in the first two weeks of July.

Kind Regards,
Kristopher Reensma
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Belgium

 

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Kristopher Reensma @Flying Damascas

CC: Viktor Yushchenko

Subject: Re: Establishing Diplomatic Ties

Security: encrypted and secure

The Honorable Kristopher Reensma, Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Ukraine shares your enthusiasm. Unfortunately, I must ask you for the same patience. We are already in the process of scheduling a visit with another foreign head of state for the first week of July. As both these relations are of great importance to us, the Republic of Ukraine suggests scheduling your visit later in the second week. How does Friday the 12th sound? Preparations for your visit deserve our undivided attention. We hope your talks with Egypt produced positive results and thank you for your patience.


Kind regards,

Borys Tarasyuk
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Republic of Ukraine

 

[Flying Damascas]

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Security Classification: CLASSIFIED Encrypted by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

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Dear Minister Borys Tarasyuk, we are glad you appreciate our euthasism for fraternal brotherhood with the Ukrainian nation we wish to cement. Friday the 12, would be most suitable for this occassion. As for our talks with Egypt there seems to have been a sudden breakdown in communication which compelled us to leave for Brussels. We sincerely hope that from here the real benefits of long term friendship and understanding can be render in a manner that is conducive to our two nations.


Regards, Kristopher Reensma

Diplomatic Secretary for Europe
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Belgium

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@GingeOrCringe