Template:Branch-Ministry The Ministry of External Affairs was established in 4026 with the first modern cabinet of Lorell Hall in order to establish more formal relations between the Hapan government and the new foreign residents on Lorell Hall. It has since been an important part of the Hapes Consortium, representing the government in talks with foreign parties, be it corporations or governments.
The Ministry played an important role in 4026 and 4027 as the Hapes Consortium opened formal talks with both the Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance. It also ensured that no lives were lost in the Dellalt Conflict of 4031.
Departments
Embassies & Ambassadorial Staff
The Ministry of External Affairs maintains embassies on the capital worlds of some of the galaxy's more prominent powers, such as the Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance. Within the Hapes Cluster, Lorell is the designated embassy world of the Hapes Consortium due to the strict regulations on intra-cluster travel. The planet was opened to the outside galaxy in 4024 and houses dozens of foreign companies and governments' embassy estates.
For diplomatic journeys to the outside galaxy, the Ministry of External Affairs has numerous unarmed L-500 Luxury Liners at their disposal. One such vessel was used in the Dellalt Conflict, escorted by two Nova Battle Cruisers.
Royal League of Commerce
The Ministry of External Affairs is also in charge of the Royal League of Commerce together with the Ministry of Industry. The league is responsible for managing and overseeing the National and Municipal Corporations of the Hapes Consortium and relaying their issues and concerns to the Royal Council.
Foreign Policy
The Hapes Consortium's long-standing foreign policy is that of isolationism, with elements of a staunch military policy of non-interventionism and a moderate political/economic policy of protectionism.
Non-interventionism
The Consortium's stance of avoiding military alliances with other sovereignties and avoiding all external conflicts (wars) is one of its lasting legacies. The Consortium's main form of military diplomacy is through the bilateral signings of non-aggression pacts (NAP). Popular opinion often equates the idea of neutrality to that of the Consortium's foreign policy. Amidst the instability of the galaxy, this controversial stance has raised issues amongst sovereignities in conflict with one another.
For instance, when the Consortium signed a non-aggression pact with the Galactic Empire in 4031, during the reigns of King Jessy James I of Hapes and Emperor Uebles of the Galactic Empire, it brought about much condemnation from the rest of the galactic community. However, it has been the Consortium's policy to seek non-aggression pacts with any soverignities in aggreement.
Protectionism
Prior to the Hapan Phoenix Age, the Hapes Cluster was closed off to external elements, both in terms of cultural and commercial influences. However, in the year 4024, the Lorell system was officially opened to the galactic community, marking the first formal invitation for foreign nations and corporations to do business with Hapan establishments. Lorell remains the only system opened to the galactic community, but through the constant influx of trade and commerce, it has often been called "The Trade Center of the Galaxy."
The opening of Hapan commerce to the galactic community have also spurred further relations with outside corporations, leading to numerous high-profile business contracts. In particular, the creation of the Imperial Union in 4033 for the purpose of economical and industrial cooperation between the Galactic Empire and the Consortium has further strengthened relations between the two major governments.
Relations with Major Governments
Through the Imperial Union, the Consortium maintains close diplomatic ties with the Galactic Empire. However, the Consortium continues to stress the non-aggression relations with both the Empire and the Rebel Alliance, standing firm to their historical policy of neutrality in the Galactic Civil War.
Historically, the Consortium has maintained amicable relations with the Trade Federation, Black Sun, Mandalore and SoroSuub Corporation. However, there remains a continued conflict between the Consortium and the New Anzat Order over the events of the Dellalt Conflict.
Ministry Ranks
Template:Branch-Ministry-Ranks
