Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 426 Cooperation with Romania
"This is the latest look of Bucharest. We have spent a lot of time building this city."

Grand Prince Cuza briefed Naserdin on the situation in Bucharest, including the first textile factory in Romania, a joint venture between the two countries, which employed 2000 people and was the largest textile factory in the country.

Romania's top leadership has always been grateful to Iran. Without Iran's pressure, Dobroga would not have been returned. Furthermore, Romania exports large quantities of grain and wool to Iran, creating a complementary trade relationship that strengthens bilateral ties.

"I didn't expect your country to develop so well over the years. I think our two countries can further cooperate."

Kuza's reign as ruler was far from smooth. His ideal reforms met with resistance; liberals felt his reforms were incomplete, while conservatives believed they harmed their interests. He was truly at a loss. Adding to the pressure from Russia, Austria, and the Ottoman Empire, Romania had no choice but to bring Iran into the fold.

From a diplomatic perspective, Iran and Russia/Ottoman Russia have a history of animosity, and his involvement could effectively deter any potential invasion from either country. Furthermore, Iran and Austria have a good relationship, and if Iran could mediate, Austria would likely also support him.

Kuza is preparing to further develop its industry. By this time, the development of trade has led to the emergence of a number of small industries within Romania, concentrated in Constanta and Bucharest. If the government can support them, they are expected to experience a major boom.

Moreover, during his conversation with Naserdin, Kuza came up with a grander vision that he felt was worth trying: a Bulgarian-Romanian alliance.

Bulgarians and Romanians have historically been ruled by shared governments on several occasions. The Bulgars, a Turkic-speaking people from the Eastern European steppes, crossed the Danube River in 680 AD, subsequently establishing a state there with its capital at Pulisca. They assimilated with Slavic culture that arrived in the Balkans a century earlier and are considered the ancestors of modern Bulgarians. The First Bulgarian Empire expanded northward to the Danube and Tisza rivers, and in the 9th century, it also ruled much of Romania. The Bulgarians actively promoted Slavic and Christian influences and cultural elements to the ancestors of modern Romanians.

In the late 18th century, calls for the federalization of the Balkans emerged and gained considerable popularity, fueled by political considerations. The prevailing belief was that if the two nations could be united first, the overthrow of the Ottoman Empire would not be far off.

This is indeed a good proposal, but it requires the help of major powers. Iran is willing to provide support; the rest depends on whether Kuza is willing to comply.

The following day, Nasser al-Din and Quza signed a cooperation agreement in Bucharest. The agreement covered all aspects of the country's relations, particularly the economy.

Romania and Iran will form an oil company to jointly explore for oil on the land. For the first twenty years, the two countries will split the profits 30/70, and after twenty years, they will split them 50/50.

In addition, Romania will lend 40 million rials to Iran to support its industry and military, using customs duties and mineral taxes as collateral. Simultaneously, it will send 4000 people annually to study at the Tabriz Military Academy, and Iran will dispatch officers to reorganize its army.

Kuza is preparing to establish other state-owned enterprises, one of which is the Romanian Railways Company. Of course, Iran is also involved, but it's an investment from the Golden Lion Corporation, not a loan from the Iranian government.

Naserdin boarded the train to Prague, where a major battle awaited him. However, the thought of the Prussian ambassador always being a step behind him made him chuckle.

"Teacher, what do you think we can gain from this?"

Shah asked Amir, but the other only felt that this invitation might provoke hostility from Prussia.

“We can gain Austria’s friendship, but we’re more likely to face hostility from Prussia and Italy. Shah, we can’t have more enemies in Europe now. Russia alone already ties up a lot of our energy. If we add these two, I’m afraid…” “You don’t need to worry,” Nasserdin retorted. “Prussia and Italy have always wanted to unify their countries, so they’ve never been very interested in us. Even if Russia invites us, they’ll probably only offer verbal support and won’t actually fight.”

That's true; Iran is too far away, and Prussia can barely extend its reach to Tehran. As for Italy, may the Pope bless them.

"I heard the situation in Italy isn't very good?"

"The latest situation indicates that Austria has launched a full-scale attack on Milan, and the Italian army is putting up a desperate resistance, but to no avail."

"Still as bad as ever," was the Shah's honest opinion. This kingdom had been weak from the start; even the Mohist philosophy only slightly improved it, and not by much. It was even toxic to its allies.

"Leave the Italian issue to Austria; we just need to complete the next round of negotiations to consider it a success."

The train sped along the railway from Bucharest to Timishoura, and the pastoral scenery along the way brought Nasser al-Din a long-lost sense of ease. He was tired of seeing sand every day in Iran.

A short distance ahead lies Arad, a small town that has gradually developed thanks to the construction of the railway. The train doesn't stop here, but some people are so eager to see the Shah that they're prepared to have him stop.

Inside a local house, a dozen people were discussing plans, with a map of the Kingdom of Greater Hungary hanging on the wall.

"Do you all understand? Our goal is to force the train to stop, then take the Iranian Shah and everyone on board hostage, and force Iran to agree to our conditions."

Matthias reiterated their purpose to everyone. As a member of the Hungarian revolutionary organization, Matthias participated in the 1848 revolution, went into hiding after its failure, and only recently emerged. He felt that if he didn't come out soon, Hungary would perish.

At this time, Hungary had been divided into four parts: Romanians, Croats, and Slovaks each occupied three-quarters of the territory, leaving only the Hungarian lands around Buda. This was absolutely intolerable to them.

Intelligence obtained from their brothers in Vienna revealed that Austria's policy toward Hungary was largely dictated by Iran, leading them to believe that Iran and Austria were in the same camp. To achieve independence, they felt they had to first eliminate Iran, Austria's supporter.

Matthias gathered another group of people, planning to hijack the train during the Shah's visit to Iran. He believed that once the Shah was captured, all problems could be solved.

"This mission is a do-or-die situation. The future of Hungary is in our hands."

Viktor, standing beside him, raised the flag of the Republic of Hungary and shouted to everyone. They raised their right hands, vowing to accomplish this feat; the future of the Republic lay in this day!

(End of this chapter)