President, FM Welcome Minister HendricksPresident Ardashir Karroubi and Foreign Minister Anousheh Boroumand welcomed Kalistani Foreign Minister Elias Hendricks at the Kurosh Shah International Airport, north of the capital, Aldegaria. The two were accompanied by several Government Ministers led by Premier Jamshid Akhtar and other high officials of state. Minister Hendricks and Premier Akhtar struck a great rapport with Akhtar being familiar with Kalistan having lived there in Kaliburg in his youth during his education. The visit came just two months before the presidential election and the Government were eager to exploit it.
The Minister's car arriving at Hirinid HouseThe Minister was taken to Hirinid House, the official guest house for esteemed foreign visitors. Here he had an interview with President Karroubi, Foreign Minister Boroumand and Premier Akhtar. the trio expressed their view that the two countries could be strong partners in a strong Seleya, unoccpuied or influenced by outside powers. The general terms to a friendship treaty were greed on, with greater trade, cultural exchange and closer diplomatic relations being the main focus. As a traditionally protectionist country, Aldegarian industry and workers were apprehensive about a free trade deal but were soothed when politically sensitive industries such as the crafts, agriculture and fishing were excluded from the free trade deal.
Premier AkhtarThe three, particularly the President and Foreign Minister, pressed Minister Hendricks hard for a 'mutual defence' agreement. Hendricks politely declined the proposal, pointing out that Kalistan traditionally does not align itself with any blocs. The deployment of the Kalistani Auxilliary Navy in the Aldegarian Gulf was agreed upon and the Aldegarians were relieved that ther efforts yielded something at least. More meetings are scheduled between Minister Hendricks and several Aldegarian Ministers and other public officials.