King Adam I's state visit to Sandus

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King Adam I's state visit to Sandus on 10 July 2014 was the first state visit ever made by an Überstadti head of state and the first ever received by Sandus. The visit, which occupied one day of King Adam's tour of the Mid-Atlantic United States, included dialogue between the two leaders on diverse matters of state, a joint religious service, a tour of Kremlum Sandus, and the signature of a treaty granting Überstadt Socilivo statehood, a relationship with Sandus granting certain political and economic rights.

Invitation and planning

King Adam, planning a trip to Washington, DC, first approached the Sôgmô regarding a possible visit in January 2014. A formal invitation to visit was received by the King on 17 April, and his letter accepting the invitation was received in Sandus on 23 April.

Over the following weeks, a rough agenda began to take shape through periodic dialogue between the two leaders. The earliest plans included tours of the capital province Kremlum Sandus and the signature of some form of treaty or agreement. As the date of the visit drew closer, a religious service after the traditions of the culturally predominant religions of both Überstadt and Sandus was proposed. The King's transportation plans were finalized two days before the event.

Context

Relations between Sandus and Überstadt had improved substantially over the previous year. As Überstadti socialism strengthened, the two states developed a strong friendship. This condition solidified when King Adam gave the final address of the 2013 Citizens' Communist Party of Sandus Conference and participated in the foundation of the Intermicronational Leftist Forum along with the Sôgmô and other leaders. At this time, socialist solidarity became a defining factor in Über-Sandum relations.

As the visit was in planning, the Saint Josephsburg Economic Pact (SJEP) was established, with Sandus as a founding member. Other states close to Überstadt were members, and like the Kingdom, all were seeking economic development in the near future. Überstadti public and official opinion ran contrary to joining SJEP, however, due to concerns of economic sovereignty. Although originally intended as a sign of increased cooperation and the solidification of an alliance, the Überstadt's obtaining of Socilivo statehood with Sandus, which would grant special economic rights, became significant because it would allow Überstadti business with all of SJEP because of the economic union's requirement of common external trade policies.

Visit

King Adam arrived at the railroad station nearest Sandus around 0930 local time. Sôgmô Soergel arrived shortly thereafter, and the two drove into Kremlum Sandus together, arriving at the Palaso d'Etato shortly before 1100. Upon arrival, the King was given a tour of the palace, including the office of the Sôgmô and the Sandum Royal Library. The leaders then conversed privately over drinks.

After their private discussion, the two heads of state exchanged diplomatic gifts. The Sôgmô was presented with a box of smoked salmon from the Pacific Northwest, a sample of soil from the San Francisco grave of Emperor Norton of the United States, and a pouch of fabric dyed in Überstadt and stuffed with aromatic conifer needles from Rosewood. The King was presented with a mug of fine china bearing floral symbols of the foundation of Sandus and of the Sandum Royal Family.

Signing the treaty

At noon, the joint religious rite, planned to reflect spiritual aspects of both nations' cultures, was performed. King Adam's Christian service was conducted first, commencing with the recitation of the Lord's Prayer, followed by readings from James and Luke regarding poverty and charity. He then delivered an improvised prayer requesting divine assistance in combating injustice. Sôgmô Soergel's portion of the rite occurred in two parts. It began with a prayer to Athena at the Sandum state altar to the gods, praising the Goddess for her wisdom and power. The second part consisted of the recitation of the Seven Line Prayer to Padmasambhava thrice, followed by the Dedication of Merit, which expresses a desire for all sentient beings to be free from suffering.

Upon the completion of the joint rite, the leaders sat at a table in the Office of the Sôgmô to sign the Treaty of Socilivo Statehood with the Kingdom of Überstadt. The treaty granted Überstadtis the right to hold a partial citizenship in Sandus, entered into by the Kingdom primarily to provide its citizens the right to do business there, and by extension, the entirety of SJEP. The treaty had to be approved beforehand by the Saint Josephsburg Economic Council for this reason. Two copies of the document were signed, and each state kept one.

The King and Sôgmô then travelled to Ellicott City, considered the home of Sandus's cultural patrimony. They toured the historical neighborhoods of the city, including a visit to the ruins of an early school for women. Returning to the city of Columbia, they ate lunch at an Afghan restaurant called Maiwand Kabob.

Upon return to the Palaso d'Etato, the heads of state spoke at length on potential trade opportunities and the cultivation of micropatriology as an academic discipline. The Sôgmô expressed a desire for Überstadti cloth products, and the King communicated his desire to assist in the development of a micropatriological institute. This dialogue continued as the pair traveled once more to the local train station, where the King was seen off.

The leaders shaking hands in the Office of the Sôgmô

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