Chapter 1317: Chapter 1135: Promising Big, Winning Bigger_2

France has always been an open and inclusive country, and you have the opportunity and duty to lead those West African countries onto a better path of development.

What does it matter if some of them jump ship midway?

As long as France maintains its influence, you’re bound to win back their trust sooner or later.

Because they all speak French, as long as you’re not too greedy, you’ll always be their top choice!”

Xiao Ma is also human after all; it’s truly difficult for a normal person to ignore the big pie offered by Bro Qiao…

And this isn’t just drawing a big pie, it’s an actual pie filled with benefits!

This is an irresistible gift that caters to both national and personal interests.

There’s a wave within France that is very friendly toward West African countries; joining the Green Great Wall plan can pull these people in.

Weapon orders can offer him an ally among the core industries represented in France, and investing in Congo can tie him to a huge interest group.

Under such circumstances, should Xiao Ma wish to do something, it’s bound to pass in parliament!

Joe Ga watched as Xiao Ma rested his hands on the window sill, fingers subconsciously tapping; he knew the old chap was tempted…

No politician could refuse the conditions offered by Bro Qiao!

Although Bro Qiao himself hasn’t really given anything substantial and has instead secured funds that won’t be withdrawn in five years, thus avoiding France’s financial harvesting of Congo.

However, what he’s offering represents the best conditions for Xiao Ma to solidify his power.

Because no matter how the situation in Africa develops, Xiao Ma himself will never lose!

There are various ways to protect France’s interests in Africa; he merely chose a gentler method toward West Africa.

The benefit of choosing this path is enhancing France’s image in West Africa while reducing their military costs.

The only issue is that in the future they’ll need to make more tangible investments to maintain the goodwill of those West African countries.

This is akin to the left-right divide in Europe, just a matter of choosing a path; no matter what you choose, you can find a core of supporters.

With the capital circles provided by Bro Qiao, the naturally Bai Zuo-aligned Xiao Ma not only wouldn’t lose but would hasten his consolidation of power.

Joe Ga sat back on the sofa and patiently waited for almost half an hour…

Until Xiao Ma turned around, picked up the now cold coffee, drank it all down, and relaxed into the sofa; it was then Joe Ga smiled and said, “Are we closing the deal?”

Xiao Ma rubbed his face hard and said, “Deal!

But the details for subsequent cooperation will require some disclosure and negotiation…”

Joe Ga waved his hand indifferently and said, “As long as the main direction is aligned, leave the remaining stuff to the professionals.

You’re just the President of France, not a babysitter for those companies…”

In high spirits, Xiao Ma nodded vigorously and said, “Hu Lang, you’re a remarkable person!

If you have time later, feel free to come to France often; we have vast cooperation space in Africa.

There are indeed some things I need to learn from you, and I hope we can become true friends!”

Joe Ga listened, nodded, and said with a smile, “Sir, you’re one of the youngest leaders in the world; being friends with you is my honor!”

Then Joe Ga chuckled, touched his chin, and said, “Since we’re now friends, I’ll be bold to ask: what is the annual salary of the President of France?”

Joe Boss’s excessively bold question startled Xiao Ma; quickly, he shook his head and said with a smile, “This isn’t a secret…

My annual salary is 180,000 euros, but my expenses at the Elysee Palace are all covered by the government, so I think this salary is quite decent.”

Joe Ga laughed heartily, entirely disregarding Xiao Ma’s words, thinking, doesn’t every president have a few white gloves holding their assets?

It’s just that Xiao Ma has been in politics for a relatively short time, so the amount of funds outside his regulation might be limited.

Now that we’re supposed to be friends, doing a little ‘bad’ thing that doesn’t hurt anyone could genuinely increase our friendship.

Looking at the relaxed Xiao Ma, Joe Ga said with a smile, “Buddy, in fact, I’d like to discuss more about the issues regarding Greece and Turkey.

Now I feel these issues aren’t really obstacles for both of us, isn’t that right?”

Xiao Ma nodded with a smile and said, “Of course, Greece is France’s traditional ally; we certainly need to maintain the ally’s interests.

The development of Crete Island concerns Greece’s financial security and even positively impacts Mediterranean trade and energy security.

As a responsible major power, France has the duty to help Greece develop Crete Island; if Greece needs it, I can introduce French companies and funds to Crete Island.”

Upon hearing this, Joe Ga clapped his hands and said, “That’s the demeanor of a major power leader!

However, the Greeks sold me out, making me almost have to foot the bill for nearly 2.5 billion euros in bond redemption.

As a friend, speaking a fair word on my behalf seems reasonable, doesn’t it?”

With his hands spread, Xiao Ma said, “Of course! How do you want to proceed?”

Seeing that Xiao Ma was so in tune, Joe Ga pushed aside the obstructing documents on the coffee table, then grabbed paper and pen, and quickly drew a map of the Aegean Sea’s islands…