Foreign Relations of Odessa

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Foreign relations are important to Odessa which sees itself as a key player on the world stage. Although Odessa realizes it's not a first world power, it tends to take a rather arrogant stand in most matters. It's position is usually based on what's best for Odessa regardless of any larger implications.

While Odessa will often speak of global harmony, it frequently takes a position adversarial to it's former colonial "occupier," Translithania, and her allies. It is not unusual for Odessa to try to play the world's leading powers off of one another. A major objective of Odessan foreign policy is the furtherance and expansion of its arms trade.

Contents 1 Anahuac 2 Antara 3 Ardea 4 Aspenia 5 Catai 6 Cokenia 7 Erösország 8 Erth 9 Etruria 10 Fernandina 11 Hundsvergen 12 Hussia 13 Kantonia 14 Karsos 15 Lindossë 16 Monota 17 Moram 18 Maloumba 19 North Shurkan Union 20 Norya 21 Pravnicka 22 Raipea 23 Sam'thuma 24 Surimtak 25 Theodinnes 26 Torentine Empire 27 Translithania 27.1 Pravnick Interests Section

Anahuac

Uncertainty and concern for Anahuac's stability and, indeed, whether it can sustain itself as an independent state describe Odessa's view of the former Fernandine, landlocked region. Odessa has done little more than recognize the independent state and maintain a considerable military presence along the shared frontier. Illegal crossings from Fernandina have long strained relations between the neighboring states.

An exchange of missions between Odessa and Anahuac is under consideration.

Antara

Odessa once viewed Antara with respect and suspicion at the same time. At least portions of the Odessan government have their basis in the Antaran model, but Odessa remains somewhat skeptical of Antaran motives. The countries have found common cause in combating piracy, particularly in the Abecean and Cidalian Oceans. Relations have soured over the last year or so under what Odessa considers increasing acrimony in Antara's attitude toward Odessa. This is exacerbated by Odessa's concern regarding Antaran military ties with the Torentine Empire.

In matters of trade, Odessa maintains general tariffs of export duties at 4.8%, except for raw materials and armament, which have duties of 2.3%. Import duties carry a tariff rate of 8.75%. Because of the diplomatic tensions, the Odessan Armament Kartel ended joint Odessan-Antaran work on armor during the PZ-6 Tiger/T-41 King Lion project, although both versions have been fielded.

Diplomatic Officials	Antaran Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary	Hon. Guilbert Cotto	Hon. Forsythe Jones
Political Counselor		Reginald Cartright III
Trade Counselor	Aldos Mirell	Dr. Vasile Mortenske
Consular Officer	Carvin Indarys	Horvath Gestetner
Military Attache	Rear Adm. Ulrich Leland	Rear Adm. Quigley Paul-Jones
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Ardea

Sound diplomatic relations exist between Ardea and Odessa, strengthened by similarities in World View. The two former colonies feel a sense of kindredness, not the least of which is the diversity of their respective populations. They shared suspicion of the Torentine Empire's incursion into Fernandina. Odessa seeks to strengthen ties with Ardea in view of the latter's decreasing trust of the Antaran superpower.

The Ardean market is desirable to Odessan businesses. As a result, general import and export duties are both tariffed at 2.5%. Exports of raw materials and armaments have reduced duties of 1% and 0%, respectively. Similarly, cotton, foodstuffs, and rubber imports have low duties of only 0.5%.

Diplomatic Officials	Ardean Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary	Hon. Heming Aldfrew	Hon. Attilio Thucydides
Political Counselor		Nevan Shai
Trade Counselor		Milos Asad
Consular Officer		Dragan Zulfiqar
Military Attache		Col. Winfred Phocas
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Aspenia

Aspenia was Odessa's original former colonial ruler. Relations between the countries can be considered tepid at best. While Odessa's regional importance has eclipsed Aspenia's, the colonial history tempers current relations.

Odessa maintains a straight 6% duty on all exports and imports with Aspenia.

Diplomatic Officials	Aspenian Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary	Hon. Orfeo Nicodemo	Hon. Pete Kennard
Political Counselor	Antonio Glauco	Dimitris Chukwudi
Trade Counselor	Salomon Porfirio	Sean Valter
Consular Officer	Maximiano Blas	Dardan Jannick
Military Attache	Col. Alvaro Reyes	Col. Aksel Kichiro
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Catai

Largely due to close economic ties with Antara, Odessa views Catai as an Anataran proxy on the continent of Xianbia. Nonetheless, Odessa seeks good relations with Catai because of its prominence on Xianbia.

Diplomatic Officials	Catai Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary		Hon. Xavier Lluc Joao
Political Counselor		Eduard Arnau
Trade Counselor		Mikael Iliari
Consular Officer		Baldur Friorik
Military Attache		Col. Gunnar Anders
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Cokenia

Odessa doesn't have strong contacts with Cokenia, but it maintains favorable diplomatic relations with the Miotan country. Cokenia enjoys a general tariff of 5.5% for all imports and exports. Armament exports enjoy an even more favorable 2% export duty.

Diplomatic Officials	Cokenian Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary		Hon. Steffen Predrag
Political Counselor		Boris Pim
Trade Counselor		Jess Fons
Consular Officer		Abel Serkan
Military Attache		Col. Connor D'Artagnan
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Erösország

Erösország and Odessa have agreeable relations and trade. General duty tariffs are 3.2% for both imports and exports, except armament exports, which are 1.125%.

Diplomatic Officials	Erösországan Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary		Hon. Jason Epaphroditos
Political Counselor		Alois Yishai
Trade Counselor		Terho Driscoll
Consular Officer		Tore Drahoslav
Military Attache		Col. Hector Philetus
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Erth

Erth and Odessa enjoy amicable diplomatic and trade relations.

Diplomatic Officials	Erth Mission	Odessa Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary		Verissimo Netuno
Political Counselor		Lucio Dimas
Trade Counselor		Jordan Franklin
Consular Officer		Bartholomew Kenolm
Military Attache		Col. Claus Duarte
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Etruria

Fostering Etruria's position as a foil for other major Danetian powers is a focal point of Odessan policy. In particular, Odessa considers Etruria's leadership role in the fledgling Pan-Danetian League as important in minimizing Antaran influence, both globally and in the region. Odessa considers Etruria to be its most important foreign relations partner.

Etruria and Odessa have a reciprocal "most favored" trade status that provides a steady demand for moderate quality Odessan consumer goods and results in more affordable Etrurian luxury goods for Odessans. Trade tariffs are set at a mere 0.5% for general goods and zero for armament exports from Odessa. The disparate militias in Etruria represent excellent markets for Odessan arms. Top exports to Etruria include stone, iron ore, military equipment, sugar, meat, milk products, and fish. Odessa's key imports from Etruria include luxury consumer goods and automobiles as well as coal, rubber, and agricultural goods.

Diplomatic Officials	Etrurian Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary	SpEnv Ap. Fulvius Atellus	Dr. Alexy Mikhailo
Political Counselor	Att Ti. Horatius Barbatus	Martin Yuli
Trade Counselor	Att Sex. Lucius Brutus	Dr. Rein Parsifal
Consular Officer	Att Sex. Lucius Brutus	Eduard Klaudijs
Military Attache	Maj T. Valeria Triarius Fortissimus	Brig. Konstantin Karp
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Fernandina

Largely because of its widespread corruption and dysfunctional economy, Odessa treats Fernandina with disdain and views it as a scourge upon the Lusitierran continent. In fact, Odessa treats the Fernandine diplomatic mission in Firston with only a modicum of respect, mostly due to a sense of tradition within the diplomatic corps. The Odessan mission in Ixabela has a small staff; there are no immediate plans to appoint an Ambassador-Plenipotentiary in place of the Charge d'Affairs. Although denied by Odessa, many see the mission to Fernandina primarily as a front for intelligence operations.

While still taking a "wait-and-see" approach, reforms initiated in Fernandina after settling the Torentine invasion of the country meet with Odessan approval. Although skeptical the country can maintain the momentum and fund the massive infrastructure and capital relocation scheme, Odessa has moved to support the effort by reducing tariffs. General export duties are set at 3.2%, with heavy machinery at 1.65%, and goods from companies working in Fernandina reduced to a mere 0.375%. Goods imported from Fernandina incur a 2.8% duty, with agricultural goods tariffed at 1.92%. The largest imports from Fernandina include cotton and varieties of fruits.

Diplomatic Officials	Fernandina Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary	Emmanuel Cortez	Eduardo del Cordeiro Charge d'Affairs
Political Counselor		Vasanta Buenaventura
Trade Counselor
Consular Officer		Ewart Dorofei
Military Attache		Lt. Cdr. Petur Moller
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Hundsvergen

Due to their rather private nature, the Hundsvergenese are relatively unknown to most Odessans. The country's central Danetian location makes it a desirable friend to offset Antaran and Etrurian influence in the region. While cordial, diplomatic relations are sometimes somewhat stiff due to Hundsvergen's trade relations with Antara.

Odessa levies a modest 1.2% tariff on heavy machinery and heavy equipment exports to Hundsvergen. Armament exports enjoy an even lower rate of 0.7%. Meanwhile, Odessa assesses customs and duties of 4.25% on imports of Hundsvergenese electronics. Surcharges are also applied to certain products. Metals imports pay a 3.5% tariff while the fees on tabulating equipment are 0.9%.

Diplomatic Officials	Hundsvergenese Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary	Reverend Kettil Thorsten Jesper	Hon. Kelemen Hunyadi
Political Counselor	Ragnvald Elof Bent	Rudolf Torger
Trade Counselor	Osvald Völund Peer	Andre Teo
Consular Officer	Bendt Ulrik Bo	Gilroy Raebeart
Military Attache	Tryggve Torbjörn Björn	Col. Kristian Eilert
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Hussia

Recognizing some cultural ties with the Hussians, Odessa continues to strive for good relations with the Aesmundan country. This is largely an extension of long-term trade between the two countries. Odessa enjoys good relations with Hussia despite its location next to Translithania.

Diplomatic Officials	Hussian Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary		Hon. Ernesto Teobaldi
Political Counselor		Esteve Donat
Trade Counselor		Grigory Svyatopolk
Consular Officer		Ralph Ove
Military Attache		Brig. Ezequial Vasco
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Kantonia

Trade is the lynchpin of relations between Odessa and Kantonia, with consumer goods being the main commodities each sells the other. Odessa considers Katonia a valuable friend on the Xianbian continent, particularly as a moderating influence for Catai.

Odessa and Kantonia are, generally, in agreement in their positions concerning Catai. Similarly, Odessa usually supports Kantonian positions while disavowing itself of those considered more exremist.

With regard to trade, Odessa's general tariffs call for 7.5% duties on both imports and exports. Two exceptions are raw resources and armament, which enjoy duties of 1%

Diplomatic Officials	Kantonian Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary		Alonso Leonardo Clemente y Amancio
Political Counselor		Remigio Zé Bras
Trade Counselor		Dr. Estève del Donat
Consular Officer		Jože Branimir
Military Attache		Capt. (Naval) Anton Håkon
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Karsos

Karsos is the country sitting between the Danetian and Samiri continents to most Odessans. Officially, the Karsos and Odessa enjoy cordial relations and foster open trade. Frankly, Karsos Objectivity confuses Odessans; as a result, policy toward Karsos is rather reserved and circumspect. In principal, Odessans agree with the fundamentals of Karsosian society while at the same time being suspect of the apparent lack of controls.

Because of Karsos' reluctance to adopt manufacturing and safety standards, the country's products are subject to additional Odessan import requirements, including approvals, inspections, and duties. Nonetheless, export tariffs are a mere 4.75%, on average, while imports vary wildly from 1 to 25%, depending on the commodity and manufacturer.

Diplomatic Officials	Karsosian Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary	Hon. Benedict Hearn	Hon. Augusto Modesto
Political Counselor	Blake Bysshe	Esteve Donatio
Trade Counselor	Shanon Peyton	Enrique Evaristo
Consular Officer	Gallagher Rusle	Unai Bakar
Military Attache		Capt. (Naval) Jordi Pau Feliu
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Lindossë

Odessans see Lindossë as a key country on the continent of Miotus. As a result, Odessa seeks solid diplomatic and trade ties with the Lindossëans.

Diplomatic Officials	Lindossëan Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary	Hektor Eugenios	Hon. Claudio Graciani
Political Counselor		Ilkin Duygu
Trade Counselor		Arim Hoyvannes
Consular Officer		Andreu Jaume
Military Attache		Col. Jon Birger
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Monota

Frankly, there is skepticism as to the effectiveness of the degree of democratization in Monota. Conversely, Odessans have little concern regarding Monota as a potential threat. There is a certain feeling of kinship among Odessans because of a similar passion for sports, especially football (soccer). From a foreign policy perspective, this translates to a market for cheap Odessan-made table-top radios.

Diplomatic Officials	Monotan Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary		Hon. Jon Severin
Political Counselor		Hendrik Paavo
Trade Counselor		Emil Jaska
Consular Officer		Jonas Luovik
Military Attache		Col. Artur Rodion
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Moram

Odessa is watching the situation in Moram closely as nationalist and communalist factions compete with each other and the reigning monarchy.

Diplomatic Officials	[[Image:|20px| ]] Moramic Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary		Hon. Cesar Luis Tadeu
Political Counselor		Luigi Battista
Trade Counselor		Joel Yochanan
Consular Officer		Graf Seppel von Knüppel
Military Attache		Maj. Gen. Donato Mendiluce
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Maloumba

As the dominant power in its region, Maloumba is seen as a desirable friend. The country is also an important trade partner, particularly as a source of affordable consumer goods for average Odessans.

Diplomatic Officials	Nathaia Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary		Hon. Francisco Ortega
Political Counselor		Nguyen Duc Vinh
Trade Counselor		Dr. Edorta del Navarro
Consular Officer		Alfred Olsen III
Military Attache		Brig. Vlasis Stylianos Mitsotakis
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

North Shurkan Union

Odessa seeks to strengthen relations with the North Shurkan Union, which is viewed as the dominant power on the continent of Shurku. As a result, Odessa seeks favorable relations with the NSU in order to maintain influence over the Shurkan continent.

Diplomatic Officials	North Shurkan Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary	xxxx	Hon. David Silvio Tristao
Political Counselor	xxxx	Julen Ekain
Trade Counselor	xxxx	Fredrik Jouni
Consular Officer	xxxx	Dr. Vasil Bojan
Military Attache	Brig. Gen. Harry Roswell	Maj. Gen. Joaquim Bernat
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Norya

Diplomatic Officials	North Shurkan Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary	Kalle Gudbrand	xxxx
Political Counselor	Catrine Tea	xxxx
Trade Counselor	Britt Sivsdottir	xxxx
Consular Officer	Holger Kjetil	xxxx
Military Attache	Frode Ovesson	xxxx
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Pravnicka

Pravnicka is seen as the Father of Communalist nations and a fomenter of revolutionary activities around Aurora. Thus, while Odessa is skeptical about Pravnick objectives, Pravnicka represents a strong potential source of customers for Odessan goods, particularly armament.

Diplomatic Officials	Pravnick Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary	Hon. Teodor Kristijan	Hon. David Silvio Tristao
Political Counselor	Martin Plamen	Julen Ekain
Trade Counselor	Artur Vavrineck	Fredrik Jouni
Consular Officer	Toni Fulop	Dr. Vasil Bojan
Military Attache	Col. Mirko Nenad	Maj. Gen. Joaquim Bernat
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Raipea

A large Odessan power plant project in Raipea caused new interest and engagement from a foreign policy perspective. Recent development in Raipea fostered interests in the country as a potential market for cheap consumer goods. After a brief period of uncertainty following King Paheahea V's abdication and resulting decline of Antaran influence, the significance of bilateral relations with Raipea became more prominent.

The significance of the power plant investment makes stability in Raipea an important policy objective for Odessa. The long-term trade implications for Odessan coal and consumer goods as well as Raipean specialty woods and foodstuffs helps solidify the mutual friendship. Consequently, Lothar Balint, former Political Counselor and Charge d'Affairs, was promoted to Ambassador-Plenipotentiary and the status of the Military Attache was raised to the rank of Brigadier.

Presently, Odessa is engaged in efforts to shape the new Communalist regime to support mutually beneficial policies and investments, such as the power plant project. The success of these efforts will determine future Odessan policy.

Diplomatic Officials	Raipean Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary		Lothar Balint
Political Counselor		August Murdoch
Trade Counselor		Ryan Comhghall
Consular Officer		Nevan Braiden
Military Attache		Brig. Arturo Braganca
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Sam'thuma

Sam'thuma is both quaint and exotic in the minds of most Odessans. Relatively to foreign policy, Odessans appreciate Samthuman practicality and apparent anachronistic perspective on world affairs. Odessa relishes Samthuma's independent view and willingness to voice its opinion even when at odds with its larger neighbors. Samthumans are folksy and easy to do business with, provided you have the time for story-telling and obtuse negotiating.

Diplomatic Officials	Sam'thuman Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary	Dr. M.G. Rondsuthanpar	Duke Ellington deJazzmann
Political Counselor		Domingo Feliciano
Trade Counselor	Gupta Cham Dhengli Vendesthep	Lt. Col. Alfons Przemko
Consular Officer		Anastasio Baldassare
Military Attache		Col. Patrik Truls-Gjord
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Surimtak

Most Odessans lack familiarity with Surimtak and its people. Officially, Odessa considers Surimtak an important regional friend and its most important trading partner on the Inarian continent.

Although Odessa's imports and exports tariffs with Surimtak are on a varied scale by commodity, most are rather low. Surimtak is a growing market for Odessan products. Surimtakebe handicrafts have become rather fashionable in Odessan cities.

Diplomatic Officials	Surimtakibe Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary		Hon. Ganix Unoi
Political Counselor		Jozua Esme
Trade Counselor		Kai Tjaard
Consular Officer		Lewis Seward
Military Attache		Col. Dolf Reneer
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Theodinnes

Odessans have a close relationship with Theodinnes which is important to them beyond its intrinsic or strategic value. Relations between these countries are strong.

Diplomatic Officials	[[Image:|20px| ]] Teodino Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary		Hon. Adolfo Heraclio
Political Counselor		Julen Ganix
Trade Counselor		Vilnar Aksel
Consular Officer		Silvio Scevola
Military Attache		Brig. Steffen Helmfried
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Torentine Empire

Seen as both a potential rival and fellow victim of Aspenian occupation, the Torentine Empire engenders an uncertain foreign policy from Odessa. The close ties between Torentine and Antara are especially worrisome to Odessans. Antaran support for Torentine's remilitarization represents a threat to both Odessa and regional stability.

The recent Torentine invasion and occupation of Fernandine territory is viewed with concern and skepticism. As a result, Odessa has closed its borders with Torentine and Fernandina. No trade restrictions have been imposed, however.

Diplomatic Officials	Torentine Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary	Amb. Petronella Hench	Hon. Kristjan Vilhjalmur
Political Counselor		Rupert Meino
Trade Counselor		Walter Steen
Consular Officer		Xabier Sendoa
Military Attache		Col. Luis Tristao
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Translithania

Foreign policy objectives regarding Translithania are not clear. While Odessa fosters a tendency to be protective by its former colonial ruler, the Odessans tend to be disdainful, even rude toward them. Odessan positions on issues are frequently opposite those of Translithania except when it clearly serves Odessan interests.

Diplomatic Officials	Translithanian Mission	Odessan Mission
Ambassador-Plenipotentiary	Dr. Karl Hoyos-Sprinzenstein	Hon. Edorta Luis Peio Gasper
Political Counselor		Count Pere Bernot Roc
Trade Counselor		Dr. Juho Yrjana
Consular Officer		Brais Uxio
Military Attache		V. Adm. Granville St. Elroy
Cultural Attache	{{{guestcul}}}	{{{hostcul}}}

Pravnick Interests Section

Because Translithania does not recognize the current Pravnick government, the Odessan embassy in St. Pietersburg hosts a Pravnick Interest Section. Staffed by Pravnicks, and thus not Odessan diplomats, there is tacit accordance of diplomatic status to Pavel Hrnjak on par with other heads of mission below ambassadorial rank. In practice, because Translithania does not recognize any Communalist government, the Pravnick Interest Section advocates on behalf of Fernandina, Sinoptikon, and Raipea as well.