"Though I may wish to see all of the republic's enemies crushed by our legions, I'm afraid that an alliance with the kingdom of Pontus wouldn't help us currently; the lands under the dominion of their king are little, they only encompass a small section of Asia Minor; there is probably little either of us can do to help each other, except giving financial aid of some sort because as of now, our interests are focused in our immediate surroundings: Cisalpine Gaul and Sicilia.

However for long-term benefit, perhaps I would agree with your proposal; we may require their aid in the near future, as by then the Pontic King may have already grown to a sizable kingdom that could properly challenge the Epirote advance to the east."