caos The New Pearl Road

[Orioni]

May 1st, 2023

CAOS Headquarters, Deseti Island, Orioni

In a region of the world not so for removed from our own, the drums of war beat relentlessly. The nation of @Great Anglia continues its campaign of conquest, leaving a trail of suffering and destruction. The global community trembles as the dark cloud of conflict threatens to engulf the entire world. However, hope persists.

In a world where the spectre of conflict looms large, a glimmer of hope emerges. Leaders from around the globe gather in the city of Deseti, which hosts the headquarters of the Civil Administration of Oriental States (CAOS), to negotiate a groundbreaking accord. The New Pearl Road, a visionary proposal born from the wisdom of Ambassador Tobiya Wayanor and his fellow diplomats, seeks to bind nations together through a network of free ports. Inspired by the historic Pearl Road, a legendary trade route that once connected parts of the world, the New Pearl Road Accord takes shape. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to foster trade and cooperation with extra-Oriental nations, and to demonstrate that the path to prosperity lies in unity, not conflict.

Dignitaries and representatives from various nations fill the grand conference hall, each carrying the weight of their people's aspirations for a brighter future. Tensions run high, as former adversaries sit side by side, seeking common ground in pursuit of this shared vision. Despite their differences, they are united by their belief in the potential of the New Pearl Road to transform the world.

The initial negotiations proved to be long and arduous, as the participants laboured to hammer out the details and provisions of the Accord. As the negotiations commenced, the representatives engaged in spirited discussions and debates.

“Surely, you understand that my people are hesitant to open our borders to those we once considered enemies,” said one delegate.

Ambassador Wayanor replied, “I understand your concerns, but let us remember that the New Pearl Road is an opportunity to build trust and create a foundation for future cooperation.”

Another delegate interjected, “If I may, Ambassador Wayanor, I believe that by working together and focusing on our shared interests, we can overcome the divisions of the past and forge a brighter future for all.”

They navigated through the difficult world of trade, investment, governance, and cultural exchange, striving to create a framework that is both practical and equitable. Through their tireless efforts, the proposal for a New Pearl Road has taken shape, highlighting the power of collaboration and diplomacy.

Preamble

We, the undersigned nations, recognising the challenges and threats posed by global conflict, and acknowledging the potential for collaboration and mutual benefit through trade and cooperation, hereby establish the New Pearl Road. This Accord aims to foster economic growth, cultural exchange, and global unity through the creation of a network of free ports, which will serve as hubs of international commerce and cooperation.

Article I – Establishment of the New Pearl Road

1. The Free Port Network shall consist of designated zones within the territories of the participating nations, where goods and services may be traded freely without the imposition of tariffs, taxes, or other trade barriers.
2. Each participating nation shall designate at least one free port within its territory and notify the other signatories of the location and regulations governing its operation.
3. The Free Port Network shall be open to all nations willing to adhere to the principles and provisions of this Accord.

Article II – Governance and Management of Free Ports

1. Each free port shall be governed and managed by its host nation, in accordance with national laws and regulations, and the principles and provisions of this Accord.
2. Participating nations shall ensure that their free ports operate transparently, effectively, and efficiently, and that they adhere to internationally recognised standards of governance and management.
3. Participating nations shall collaborate to share best practices, promote innovation, and foster mutual learning in the governance and management of free ports.

Article III – Trade and Investment

1. Participating nations shall commit to the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within the Free Port Network, in accordance with national laws and regulations.
2. Participating nations shall work together to reduce trade barriers, promote fair competition, and create an enabling environment for businesses and investors within the Free Port Network.
3. Participating nations shall endeavour to cooperate on matters of regional and global trade, and support the development of new trade and investment opportunities within the Free Port Network.

Article IV – Cultural Exchange and Cooperation

1. Participating nations shall encourage cultural exchange and cooperation within the Free Port Network, in order to promote understanding, friendship, and trust between their peoples.
2. Participating nations shall facilitate the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in areas of mutual interest, such as education, science, technology, arts, and sports.
3. Participating nations shall support the organisation of joint events, programs, and initiatives within the Free Port Network, to foster cultural exchange and cooperation.

Article V – Dispute Resolution and Amendments

1. Disputes arising from the interpretation or implementation of this Accord shall be resolved through peaceful means, including negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, as agreed upon by the parties involved.
2. Amendments to this Accord may be proposed by any participating nation and shall enter into force upon the approval of two-thirds of the signatories.

Article VI – Entry into Force and Withdrawal

1. This Accord shall enter into force upon the ratification by the governments of the undersigned nations.
2. Any participating nation may withdraw from this Accord by providing written notice to the other signatories. The withdrawal shall take effect one year after the receipt of such notice.

In witness whereof, the undersigned, being duly authorised by their respective governments, have signed this New Pearl Road Accord.

Done in Deseti, Orioni, on this 1st of May 2023, in the Anglish, Lysian, and Oharic.

For the Government of [Country]: ____________________________ (Signature)

With the final touches made to the New Pearl Road Accord, the representatives gather in CAOS Hall, surrounded by the symbols and artefacts of the city's rich and diverse history. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, as each representative takes their turn to affix their signature to the document that will change the course of history.

Ambassador Wayanor, the architect of this grand vision, watches the unfolding of the New Pearl Road network with pride and satisfaction. His belief in the power of unity and the wisdom of keeping one's friends close and enemies even closer has been realised. With the establishment of this accord, the world can take another step toward a future of peace, prosperity, and global unity.

As the last signature is set down, the hall erupts in applause, a moment of triumph and unity that transcends the boundaries of language and culture. The New Pearl Road is born, and with it, the promise of a new era of cooperation and understanding.

⁂

(OOC. This idea started over a very brief discussion on Discord with @Baltica. Thanks for that, Mr B. I thought it'd be a neat idea to restore the old local trade network, but on a global scale. Why be limited to local waters? Another reason is to perhaps convince some of the players who claim autarky to at least open up a little more than usual.

You want to join the Accord? Just sign here with a reply. From experience, I remember people tire of overly complex diplomatic ceremonies. Much more fun to get that over with, and start with the next chapter of wheeling and dealing. Want to withdraw later because your government policy changed, or a new faction won the election? Just sign a declaration to withdraw in the same topic.)

[Haruspex]

From: The Offices of The Third Circle (Foreign Affairs Ministry)
Authorization: Duke Sias Hu'yan, Vilicus of The Third Circle
Subject: The New Pearl Road Initiative 

Prathen, SIMH., 3rd Year of Karn (2023), K3/01/05 — By decree of the Empress Kira'Karn Vlos Elemmiire, First Daughter Sa'Karn the Wise, Matriarch of House Vlos Elemmiire and Lady of Battle of the Combined Houses, First Speaker of the Kaldana Colonial Hegemony, Rightful Princess and Claimant to the Throne of the Sovereign Imperium of Machina Haruspex; 

In conjunction with the Third Circle, advisors from both the Kunya Trade Authority, and that of the Imperial Merchant Alliance, have expressed great interest in The New Pearl Road initiative put forth. The empress believes that this is a way to turn about both opinion of the Haru government, and a chance to develop further, for a prosperous future. 

Therefore, the Sovereign Imperium shall agree to all of the terms listed above, and devote its energies to a better tomorrow with those who also accept this grand plan. 

[Tusis]

To: Civil Administration of Oriental States

From: Omar Halaby; Head of the Foreign Relations Bureau of the Grand Sultanate of Tusis

Sultan Tawfiq Naji al-Utica thanks the Orioni government for offering this opportunity. While the sultan is interested, many people are hesitant of reaching out to the wider wurld. Therefore, we must decline for now, but we do hope that we may cooperate with the Pearl Road initiative in the future when our foreign policies are more open. For now, Sultan Tawfiq wishes to ask to be an observer of the program until Tusis is more comfortable on the wurld stage. We thank you for your offer and may this organization find prosperity.

For peace, prosperity, and a more connective wurld,

Omar Halaby- Head of the Foreign Relations Bureau

[Zaxar]

To: Civil Administration of Oriental States

 

I speak on behalf of Emperor Benjamin Zaxar I and the peoples of Zaxar who value the peace and prosperity that projects of cooperation such as yours promise when I say that I am eager to see the development of this program in the Empire of Zaxar.

Zaxar believes that this treaty will present an opportunity to establish economic ties with nations typically outside of our diplomatic realm, which will surely benefit not only ourselves but the entire Wurld.

However, we do already have commitments to our continental allies in the Aurelian League that we have worked so hard to let thrive,

and therefore, on behalf of our great Emperor, William Zaxar I, and the great peoples of the Empire, I hereby accept all clauses of this treaty to be opened to further discussion on the direct inclusion of Zaxari participation to the fullest extent that does not harm the integrity or basic clauses of the Aurelian League.

May our great nations prosper from this treaty and from the peace this cooperation shall bring,

 

Wunnohteaonk,

-

May peace be in your hearts,

 

 

Signed, 

 

Maurice la Vaneu

Foreign Minister

of the

Empire of Greater Zaxar

[Ionio]

To: Civil Administration of Oriental States

From: Mario Frattini, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ionio

The Ionian government has discussed this proposal, and we believe that The New Pearl Road Initiative is an ambitious project that brings peace and prosperity to the wurld that is currently shaken by a terrible war.

The treaty makes it possible to establish not only a diplomatic and economic cooperation, but also a cultural cooperation that allows us to establish long friendships. 

However, Ionio is a member of the Aurelian League, so we are asking for further discussion to include Ionio in the project within the rules of the Aurelian League.

Hopefully, this project allows for a more peaceful and prosperous wurld

 

Mario Frattini

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ionio

[Baltica]

To: The Civil Administration of Oriental States

From: Deputy of the Baltican Office of Foreign Affairs Steponas Langas

On behalf of Baltica, it is of great honour to participate in the complex web of the Wurlds trade networks. The announcement of the New Pearl Road Project has been of great interest to the various firms and businesses within the united Baltica and the various peoples who wish to spread their culture internationally via the Pearl Road. Although Baltica has largely been an isolationist state during the reign of the so-called “Republic” government, the new Federal Parliament of Baltica wishes to write the wrongs of the former Republic and open the nation to international trade and cooperation. Already under the current Federal Government, various free trade and liberal reforms, similar to those outlined by the proposed New Pearl Road Project have already been implemented, and the continued implantation of other laws outlined within the New Pearl Road should be done without issue. As Baltica lies along the Keelpijp, one of the most important International trade routes in Eurth, and already contains various large ports and cities along it, a unanimous decision was to not choose Goja as a free port, but instead Janakis. Janakis, situated within Dokestva and around the Bay of Austen, has always been a historic centre of commerce and trade, and its location within the bay, as well as its cultural importance to both Ras and Gintarian Dolch made it a perfect choice for the likes of the New Pearl Road. We look forward to future endeavours between Baltica, Orioni, and the Wurld, in the hopes of establishing long-term economic partnerships for the benefit of all.

[Kertosono]

PROCLAMATION
of the Embassy of Kertosono in Orioni
20 Saddha 1930 KE
3 May 2023 AD
 

WHEREAS the state of Kertosono, party to the grand conference held in the CAOS headquarters in Orioni, has obliged sincerely to respect international law and trade, such an opportunity is always festive news to all parties involved. Kertic delegates have been involved in the talks, and will return shortly to Kertosono in order to bring forth the proposal and treaty before parliament to be debated and be put into vote. Kertosono's very strategic location between Argis and Aurelia would be very beneficial in developing stronger economic and political links, as well as securing glubal trade and shipments. 

Long live the Emperor!

 

Ario Dewantoro Sujiatmojo
On behalf of the ambassador to Orioni,
Head of the Information subunit

 

[Garindina]

To: The Civil Administration of Oriental States

From: Tatyana Kuzmina, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Federation of Garindina

The Tsarina of Garindina, Tsarina Nadia V, has agreed to set up a free port for the New Pearl Road. The port in question will be Port Canamo along the opening of the Canamo Canal. We hope this will bring prosperity and stronger relations with other nations if the wurld. We look forward to this project.

[Rozzaria]

To: the Civil Administration of Oriental States

Good day,

 

The Federal Republic of Saphieron wishes to associate itself to this humble organization of likeminded nation states, as a newly established nation specifically within the archipelagic Islands to the west of mainland Alharu and Aurelia, this economic and trade organization is in our best interest, this is also due to the fact that the Republic of Saphieron is archipelagic by nature, which mean she is surely to benefit from this coalition of potential economic partners and is in prime location to establish a trading stronghold that passes through the archipelagic Islands on the west side of Eurth.

We wish everyone peace and prosperity, Thank you. Xiexie.

 

Mr. Ming Liu

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Federal Republic of Saphieron

Edited May 14, 2023 by Saphieron (see edit history)

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

To: the Civil Administration of Oriental States

From: the Holy Imperial Government of the Greater Holy Empire of the Aromans

 

Your Excellencies,

The Holy Imperial Government recognises that trade can be a way forward towards peace. Indeed, this has been a path that Aromania has been pursuing for several years, under the direction of his Aroman Majesty, Kommodos III, by the Grace of Christ, Holy Emperor and Autocrat of the Aroman People and Equal-to-the-Apostles. This can be demonstrated by Aromania's sui generis membership of the Argic-Thalassan-Alharun Regional Association, the diplomatic links that Aromania has forged with nations from every continent, as well as the many trade agreements that my ministry has been striking with other nations over the last few years. Trade can bring the nations and peoples of Eurth closer together. It has been shown to do so in the past. Trade can break down the barriers that otherwise exist and bring the disparate countries of the wurld closer together.

It may be said that at times Aromania and the nations of the Orient have been at loggerheads, or at best the relations between our nations have been frosty. This is certainly true but it is time that these steps are reversed. It is clear that the wurld needs to be more diligent in building bridges between nations, and continents, so that the events that are currently ongoing may not be repeated.

To this end, the Holy Imperial Government will signal its interest in joining the New Pearl Road initiative. At this point, my government will weigh up its options with regards to the location and number of free ports to be used, but do not let this be interpreted as disinterest or an attempt at stalling. It is clear that the New Pearl Road is a step in the right direction, towards an Eurth that is more united and at peace than any other time in history. The articles of the New Pearl Road agreement will need to be studied, in order to see whether or not they clash with the high standards of the Greater Holy Empire, nor undermine the practices of Aromania. However, at this point, I doubt that there will be any impediment to the shared future available to all that join this initiative.

May God see to it that this initiative succeeds in its aims to bring Eurth closer together,

Takitos Khalkeos

Grand Minister

of the

Ministry of Trade

of the

Greater Holy Empire of Arome

[Poja]

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Tuesday, 14 February 2023 | 14:30 hrs [UTC-3]
Rugi, Confederacy of Poja | House of Magnates

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my esteemed honor to present, His Excellency, President Andrej Petrović, who is now about to enter,” announced the sergeant-at-arms.  At his announcement, every man and woman inside the House of Magnates' chamber stood and, under escort, President Andrej Petrović entered and was guided towards a special seat reserved for him or his representative.  He shook hands with his escort and everyone was seated, including the President himself.  The House of Magnates was especially packed on this cold, February afternoon, largely because of the President's visit.  When everyone had returned to their seats, Chancellor Jelena Jurić rose out of her chair and straightened her blazer.  She walked up to the podium that served as the formal address point to the entire chamber and turned on the microphone.

          “Mister President, my esteemed colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to welcome His Excellent, President Andrej Petrović to the House of Magnates this afternoon,” she began, abiding by the rules and decorum of his visit.  For anyone without an ego that needed fluffing, it was a waste of time but, for those with an ego to fluff, it was to be cherished.  President Petrović had enjoyed it, at first, and now he saw it as just unnecessary, but yet, just because he was the President of the Confederation of Poja, didn't grant him the authority to wave past the rules and decorum of official visits.  “His Excellency joins us this afternoon to speak about a special invitation that the Konfederacija Poja has received.  Without further ado, please welcome, His Excellent, President Andrej Petrović.”  Once again, everyone stood as the President made his way to the podium.  A slight applause was held as he took his place there, shaking the hand of the departing Chancellor.

          “Magnates, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for the warm welcome.  Before I begin today, I want to thank the representatives of our country for earmarking the time to discuss this matter and giving it the due attention that it deserves,” he played into the Magnates' own collective ego.  They often saw themselves as the true power holders in the country and, in some regards, they were.  The President could call a meeting of them whenever he pleased for whatever reason, a power that was rarely used except in times of true crisis and emergency, but it still played well for him to stoke their egos, to say that he was at their grace and not the other way around.  “I come before you because I have personally received an invitation to join the New Pearl Road.”

          “For those of you unfamiliar with this, we will be providing details today as to this organization, but in quick summary, this is a glubal trade network that links free trade zones to provide a vast economic network that holds a great many benefits to our country.  The New Pearl Road promotes trade, investment, cultural exchange, international cooperation, and much more and does not come at the expense of our sovereignty,” he emphasized this point.  “I know that would be my primary concern to an agreement such as this but, and I shall quote the charter directly, ‘Each Freeport shall be governed and managed by its host nation, in accordance with national laws and regulations’.”

          “We already have a designated special economic zone,” he was referring to the municipality of Križebarsko, which was founded in 1999 in the Adjinuan coastal town of Križebarsko.  The SEZ covered 20 km², which was about half of the municipality's territory.  Within that area was one of three major ports in Adjinua and the associated industrial area, a major international airport with a 2,500-meter runway, and a sprawling commercial area.  “It's been fourteen years since the Pojački and Adjinuan governments established Križebarsko, and it has done nothing but reap rewards for us.  This will only expand further the presence of the Križebarsko Special Economic Zone.  In fact, the original provision for the establishment of Križebarsko called for the creation of a thirty square kilometer zone, though only twenty were allocated at the time with the possibility for further expansion.   This presents an opportunity to capitalize on that expansion.  By joining the New Pearl Road, the Pojački economy will only see upside.  Thank you.”  As he stepped away, those present rose again and offered a clap of respect.  

          What Petrović had excluded from his speech was the less-than-rosy aspect to the creation of the Križebarsko SEZ.  The Pojački government had tried for fifteen years to push the idea to the Adjinuans, who soundly refused it for those years.  It was only after significant cajoling that the Adjinuans relented, and the reason the SEZ was cut from 30 km² to 20 km² had everything to do with the amount of investment that the Adjinuans were willing to spend.  It was thusly put in the agreement that the 20 km² would abide by the post-Chernarus terms of the Treaty of Rugi, but the expanded 10 km² would provide more economic revenue to the entire country than directly to Adjinua.  Expanding, thusly, would have less benefit to Adjinua and more to the entire country and was thus, in and of itself, a massive hurdle.  Nevertheless, sparking the debate could – at the very least – yield to accession into the New Pearl Road.

          Little did Petrović know what he was embarking upon on that fateful, February day.  His polling and aides had told him that the New Pearl Road wasn't widely popular within the House of Magnates, but neither was it unpopular.  As per the Treaty of Rugi, he needed only a simple majority for the ratification of the New Pearl Road Treaty and, based on everything he'd been led to believe, a simple majority was present.  That could not be further from the truth.  The initial debate, which occurred over the next week, without him present, cast doubt that even five of the thirty Magnates would vote for ratification.  More cajoling would be needed and for the next two months, the Petrović administration worked tirelessly with the House of Magnates on the ratification.  In the end, the vote was cast late in the afternoon of 25 April.  Of the five Magnates from Adjinua, only three voted in favor, which was enough for that particular bloc.  In the end, of the thirty votes, nineteen were cast in favor, a majority that was enough for ratification and more like what Petrović had been initially led to believe would be the outcome.  It had taken considerable effort to get there and had cost plenty of political capital.

 

• • • • ‡ ‡ • • • •

The Office of the President
Rugi
27 April 2023

Civil Administration of Oriental States

To the Esteemed Representatives of the Oriental States:

The Konfederacija Poja is honored to have received your invitation to join the New Pearl Road.  In accordance with the laws of the Konfederacija Poja, I, as President, requested that our House of Magnates review and ratify the treaty as presented.  With humble appreciation, it is my pleasure to announce that the House of Magnates has reviewed and approved of the charter of the New Pearl Road and, as such, it is my honor to request membership for the Konfederacija Poja.  It is the desire of the Konfederacija Poja to become a member of the New Pearl Road upon its effectiveness on 1 May 2023.

Through our membership in the New Pearl Road, we hope to present the special economic zone of Križebarsko, Adjinua, which has been so since 1999.  As a special economic zone, Križebarsko benefits greatly from free trade and expanded access into the markets of the Konfederacija Poja.  Through the economic success that the New Pearl Road can bring, Križebarsko and the Konfederacija Poja can flourish as we continue into the 21st century.

Sincerely,
His Excellency, the President of the Konfederacija Poja, Andrej Petrović, on behalf of the people of the Konfederacija Poja

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Edited October 7, 2023 by Poja
spelling (see edit history)