Gobras City – In celebration of 80 years of close bilateral ties, the President of Izaland Irokki Shinsayamo, accompanied by the Izaland foreign minister, has visited Gobrassanya yesterday and met with Gobrassian President Gandork Dhavjhason and Prime Minister Ounnei Loonnafadi, to reaffirm the two nations’ commitment to “strengthen the long-standing close relationship”.
Prior to meeting the Gobrassian leaders, Shinsayamo visited the newly-renovated Izaki embassy and inaugurated the opening of the new Gobrasi-Izaki cultural gallery celebrating 80 years of bilateral ties. The President has also spoken with Izaki citizens in Gobrassanya at the embassy.
Following the inauguration, the Izaki President met the Gobrassian leaders at the Gobras City Depot, the main train station of the capital, and took a High Speed Rail (HSR) trip to the nearby Gobrassian town of Havreg. There, the leaders visited the developing joint Gobrassian-Izaki Economic Zone. The leaders then had a working lunch to discuss a series of regional and global issues. Following the lunch, the leaders held a press conference.
“Our relationship has remained firm and strong, like an old married couple,” said Shinsayamo, drawing some laughter from the journalists. “With this in mind, we shall expect further strides in our long-standing relationship, including further investments into the Gobrassian region and close cooperation with local companies. Likewise, Gobrassian start-ups can take up our expertise and technology to ensure prosperity and further economic growth for the country as a whole.”
“Izaland has been one of our closest friends ever since our establishment as a union over 80 years ago. Ever since we formalised relations, Izaland has always invested in our infrastructure, such as the GoHSR system that connects and extends to the various corners of the peninsula. We have offered our manpower and resources and allowed foreign talent, such as Izaland’s, to invest in our country. The economic growth in our early years was thanks to investment from Izaland, which helped us remain united as one union as we share in the prosperity due to close trade relations with our trusted allies,” said the Gobrassian President.
The visit was partly disrupted by a small group of protestors, who are against foreign investment and trade in the region. Addressing the rally just outside the conference, the Gobrassian Prime Minister said, “We understand the concerns by some of our people who may be at a disadvantage competing against foreign businesses in our country. However, contrary to the claims made by opponents, we are not selling out our country to foreigners to give them free rein. In our trade agreements with other countries, we ensure that anyone seeking a job for a local or foreign company operating here are given fair treatment when being interviewed. My government has a series of policies against any unfair practices on employment.”
He added that free trade agreements have been “unfairly blamed” for the troubles faced by local enterprises, saying that foreign investments have, in fact, helped cushion the impact of economic downturns in Gobrassanya.
Shinsayamoe further added that Gobrassians are also welcomed to work in Izaland to seek further opportunities, with promises of “loosening immigration policies” into the country.
Before departing, the Izaki President has offered an invitation for the Gobrassian leaders to visit Izaland. The Gobrassian Foreign Ministry has confirmed they have received the invitation and said the leaders will consider visiting “depending on their schedule”.
