Record:A Visitor in the Lands of Saldev
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Dux Papregoli: Good evening, Signore Karpenko, faith be with you.
Vadym Karpenko: Good evening to you as well, Van Papregoli, I'm glad you could come to meet us on our land here today.
(Vadym gestures for him to sit down at the table, as he and the translator take their seats.)
Dux: Even on this small walk here, and what I saw during the ride, I see that the stories of the great modernization that have taken place here were not exaggerations.
Vadym Karpenko: I would say it would be surprising our culture and ways of life here have survived such constructive efforts, but I would say its a sign of both the will and flexibility of our people.
Dux Papregoli: Indeed, indeed. The world changes greatly, there are few constants out there. We often hold onto the wrong ones, the variables, not the ones that are bound to stay. Unfortunately, it is my duty here to concern myself with such fleeting presents. I do hope that for the duration we will find ourselves capable of seeing each other as being closer than not.
Vadym Karpenko: Of course and I hope we can see each other similarly here, especially after my nations brother island's perhaps rocky relationship with yours.
Dux Papregoli: (Chuckles. He glances at the translator.) We will have time for that too. (He looks back at Karpenko.) Such is the nature of variables, and of democratic politics. I trust myself to be a break from my predecessor, in some ways. I think it would serve us well to cultivate peace rather than war, with you, and your older brother.
Vadym Karpenko: Of course, I think its the most sensible option in our current times. (The translator glances at both of them.) Now is their anything specific you wanted to discuss while we meet each other here today?
Dux Papregoli: I just wish to get a sense of the basics. I hear the Wälstan government has taken great lengths in expanding your industrial capacity. Are efforts going well? The economists at my home island will surely kill me if I do not ask, but have there been advances in establishing a consumer base? How expansively is money being traded?
Vadym Karpenko: The efforts are going well from what information I have gathered. There has been very slow growth in the creation of a consumer base, mostly due to our people's lifestyles. As for money we have established a formal currency for use and due to the economic council and treaty between our islands the flow has been rather smooth.
(The translator speaks to him for a quick moment before Vadym turns back.)
Vadym Karpenko: You have heard of the military and economic treaties my Velteman over in Haltenberg correct?
Dux Papregoli: Indeed, I have been briefed before I came here. Though of course, such information is never as clear in reality as in wording. Have the terms been fully implemented?
Vadym Karpenko: Do you mean the terms of said treaties? Cause if so we are still in the process somewhat.
Dux Papregoli: I see. Surely it is nothing that time won't fix, as is usual. Change, change... Should circumstances back at home stabilize, we would be willing to engage with our own contributions to the process. If Wälstanland, of course, does not have any objections. (He looks at the translator, looking at him above the rim of his glasses.) Making Saldev a modern, industrial nation, as others, like Hapšâw, are quickly becoming.
Vadym Karpenko: I would have to talk with some others but in the current times I couldn't see Walstanland objecting to such dealings. I believe it would be in our best interest for our 3 islands to work together.
Dux Papregoli: I see. I understand my predecessor had some issues with you in the past, but from what I have seen, your side hasn't held grudges. It is a good direction you have taken. The Storm blocks you off from most, but having a larger protector can help others get close to you. Just make sure to have as much faith in your own capabilities as those of others, for one never knows when things might get dire.
Vadym Karpenko: Of course, we are still very much left to our own affairs politically. I'm certainly satisfied to have started our diplomatic journey with an island as accommodating as yours.
Dux Papregoli: Indeed. On the question of openness... How open should your island be, you reckon? Constancy, change, they are difficult to balance when most things tend towards the latter. Are you willing to accept people from the outside world, our goods, our beliefs?
Vadym Karpenko: When it comes to immigration so far the policy has been somewhat strict but we do allow foreigners into our nation. Our Veltemen has put forth a policy he calls "Territorial Patriotism" which allows for foreign groups and beliefs as long as they swear loyalty to Saldev soil. Although the religious aspect the government is still arguing about somewhat from what I can tell.
Dux Papregoli: I see. I merely ask to know upon which ground we stand, though I cannot say I am overly happy with the response. I would ask the Wälstan government to reconsider parts of it, though that is obviously outside of your realm. We find our beliefs to be quite close to who we are. And your own religion? How has that been handled?
Vadym Karpenko: Our government has always by technicality or constitution a secular one. We do not have any kind of unified body for our religion either but with all the changes that has happened recently one might be made in light of said policies I have spoken about.
Dux Papregoli: Thank you for answering. (Papregoli stands up, and extends his arm, to shake his.) Best of luck to your lands in the future. I will make sure to give a good word to the House of Light. Maybe it will one day come to shine upon these isles. We will try and play a role in your island's development, through Wälstanland if necessary, to ensure you may join the global economy as soon as it is possible.
Vadym Karpenko: Of course. (He stands up and shakes Papregoli's hand.) Im happy to hear your enthusiasm in our nation as well as the possibility of others as well. I will be sure to let my Veltemen know immediately of it.
Dux Papregoli: Excellent. Have an excellent time, my friend. Faith be with you. (He begins to walk out. He stops in the doorway, and takes a look at the Wälstan translator.) When you convey this meeting to your boss, just make sure to mention my concerns, will you?
(He exits out.)