Kalistani Major History

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High Level State Visit to Likatonia planned for April
His Imperial Majesty, Government seek new opportunities in Northern Seleya
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
December 9, 5549


Chancellor of the Empire Dame Lindsay Ontiveros-Maxwell discusses plans for state visit to Likatonia

In his first Official State visit, His Imperial Majesty plans to fly to Likatonia, said Chancellor of the Empire Dame Lindsay Ontiveros-Maxwell. "We aim to build a foundation for a new relationship," said Dame Ontiveros at the National Assembly yesterday. "The Government of Likatonia has reached out and invited us, and His Imperial Majesty made it very clear that this was something he wanted to pursue."

Often Kalistan uses state visits to pursue its national interests abroad. "The proposed visit to Likatonia is an opportunity for the Emperor to get out and see the world, meet some of his peers and represent the Empire in a setting where he shines," said the Chancellor. "We have been waiting for our friends to call us, but we can't wait forever, so the Emperor decided that he should instead travel." During the visit, the Emperor hopes to meet with the President of Likatonia to discuss increasing trade and perhaps bringing Likatonia into the Trans Seleyan Rail Network. "The Trade and Industrial Minister will be travelling with us as well," said the Chancellor. "Likatonia appears to be awake, and Kalistan hopes to be a partner both in trade and in security, to perhaps more closely integrate our two countries under institutions like the Northern Seleyan Economic Community, which Likatonia is not a member of, but could be a vehicle for closer economic ties."

During the Emperor's visit, the Chancellor also said he will have the opportunity to go sightseeing and attend several formal and informal events. "We'll be doing business," said the Chancellor, "but this is primarily a social visit. His Imperial Majesty looks forward to take the opportunity to travel, an activity that was so important to his Mother, but which he has rarely gotten the opportunity to do." When asked about the propriety of the Emperor going to visit a republican government, the Chancellor waived off the implication. "No, it is fine if the Emperor visits Republicans; most of the world is republican. If the Emperor limited himself to just friendly monarchies, we would have almost no friends." When pressed on the question, she responded pointedly, "This is no signal to any republican minded individuals in Kalistan. Nor is it an abandonment of our Anantonese-focused foreign policy. The Emperor is not cloistered, and our government is not so weak that we can't tolerate other regime types. I remind you, Kalistan was a republic for centuries. We can do business with republics, and even be friends with republicans."

The trip is scheduled for mid April, and the Emperor is expected to be in Likatonia for between 7 and 10 days. He will be accompanied by the Chancellor and several members of His Imperial Majesty's Government.