Foreign minister
Encyclopedia
A Minister of Foreign Affairs, or foreign minister, is a cabinet
minister
who helps form the foreign policy
of a sovereign state
. The foreign minister is often regarded as the most senior ministerial position below that of the head of government
(prime minister or president). It is often granted to the deputy prime minister
in coalition government
s. In some nations, such as India
, the foreign minister is referred to as the Minister for External Affairs or, as in the case of Brazil
and of the former Soviet Union
, as the Minister of External Relations. In the United States
the equivalent to the foreign ministry is called the Department of State, and the equivalent position is known as the Secretary of State
.
A foreign minister's powers can vary from government to government. In a classic parliamentary system
, a foreign minister can potentially exert significant influence in forming foreign policy but when the government is dominated by a strong prime minister the foreign minister may be limited to playing a more marginal or subsidiary role in determining policy. Similarly, the political powers invested in the foreign minister are often more limited in presidential governments
with a strong executive. Since the end of World War II
, it has been common for both the foreign minister and defense minister to be part of an inner cabinet (commonly known as a national security council
) in order to coordinate defence and diplomatic policy. Although the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries saw many heads of government assume the foreign ministry, this practice has since become uncommon in most developed nations.
Along with their political roles, foreign ministers are also traditionally responsible for many diplomatic
duties, such as hosting foreign world leaders and going on state visits to other countries. The foreign minister is generally the most well-traveled member of any cabinet.
In the United Kingdom
, the minister responsible for foreign policy as well as the British overseas territories
) is the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
(Foreign Secretary). Before 1968, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs only handled relations with foreign (non-Commonwealth
) countries, while relations with Commonwealth countries and colonies were handled by the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs
. For the same reason, in Commonwealth countries other than the United Kingdom, the ministers responsible for handling relations with both Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth countries were formerly usually designated ministers for 'External Affairs'.
In the United States
, the United States Secretary of State
handles foreign policy and is the senior Cabinet
officer. The name of the post comes from several domestic duties.
Although it is very rare for there to be any sub-national foreign minister post, although sometimes there is a minor external relations position, it can exist supranationally. The European Union
has dealt with external relations in certain areas since its inception (see EU Trade Commissioner
) and has a High Representative
as its chief diplomat. However her duties are primarily to implement EU foreign policy, rather than formulate it.
Other common titles may include minister of foreign relations. In many Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America
, the foreign minister is colloquially called canciller (chancellor
) (in Brazil
, a Portuguese-speaking country, is chanceler).
Cabinet (government)
A Cabinet is a body of high ranking government officials, typically representing the executive branch. It can also sometimes be referred to as the Council of Ministers, an Executive Council, or an Executive Committee.- Overview :...
minister
Minister (government)
A minister is a politician who holds significant public office in a national or regional government. Senior ministers are members of the cabinet....
who helps form the foreign policy
Foreign policy
A country's foreign policy, also called the foreign relations policy, consists of self-interest strategies chosen by the state to safeguard its national interests and to achieve its goals within international relations milieu. The approaches are strategically employed to interact with other countries...
of a sovereign state
Sovereign state
A sovereign state, or simply, state, is a state with a defined territory on which it exercises internal and external sovereignty, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other sovereign states. It is also normally understood to be a state which is neither...
. The foreign minister is often regarded as the most senior ministerial position below that of the head of government
Head of government
Head of government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. In a parliamentary system, the head of government is often styled prime minister, chief minister, premier, etc...
(prime minister or president). It is often granted to the deputy prime minister
Deputy Prime Minister
A deputy prime minister or vice prime minister is, in some counties, a government minister who can take the position of acting prime minister when the prime minister is temporarily absent. The position is often likened to that of a vice president, but is significantly different, though both...
in coalition government
Coalition government
A coalition government is a cabinet of a parliamentary government in which several political parties cooperate. The usual reason given for this arrangement is that no party on its own can achieve a majority in the parliament...
s. In some nations, such as India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, the foreign minister is referred to as the Minister for External Affairs or, as in the case of Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
and of the former Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
, as the Minister of External Relations. In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
the equivalent to the foreign ministry is called the Department of State, and the equivalent position is known as the Secretary of State
Secretary of State
Secretary of State or State Secretary is a commonly used title for a senior or mid-level post in governments around the world. The role varies between countries, and in some cases there are multiple Secretaries of State in the Government....
.
A foreign minister's powers can vary from government to government. In a classic parliamentary system
Parliamentary system
A parliamentary system is a system of government in which the ministers of the executive branch get their democratic legitimacy from the legislature and are accountable to that body, such that the executive and legislative branches are intertwined....
, a foreign minister can potentially exert significant influence in forming foreign policy but when the government is dominated by a strong prime minister the foreign minister may be limited to playing a more marginal or subsidiary role in determining policy. Similarly, the political powers invested in the foreign minister are often more limited in presidential governments
Presidential system
A presidential system is a system of government where an executive branch exists and presides separately from the legislature, to which it is not responsible and which cannot, in normal circumstances, dismiss it....
with a strong executive. Since the end of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, it has been common for both the foreign minister and defense minister to be part of an inner cabinet (commonly known as a national security council
National Security Council
A National Security Council is usually an executive branch governmental body responsible for coordinating policy on national security issues and advising chief executives on matters related to national security...
) in order to coordinate defence and diplomatic policy. Although the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries saw many heads of government assume the foreign ministry, this practice has since become uncommon in most developed nations.
Along with their political roles, foreign ministers are also traditionally responsible for many diplomatic
Diplomacy
Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of groups or states...
duties, such as hosting foreign world leaders and going on state visits to other countries. The foreign minister is generally the most well-traveled member of any cabinet.
In the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, the minister responsible for foreign policy as well as the British overseas territories
British overseas territories
The British Overseas Territories are fourteen territories of the United Kingdom which, although they do not form part of the United Kingdom itself, fall under its jurisdiction. They are remnants of the British Empire that have not acquired independence or have voted to remain British territories...
) is the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, commonly referred to as the Foreign Secretary, is a senior member of Her Majesty's Government heading the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and regarded as one of the Great Offices of State...
(Foreign Secretary). Before 1968, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs only handled relations with foreign (non-Commonwealth
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
) countries, while relations with Commonwealth countries and colonies were handled by the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs
Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs
The position of Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs was created on 1 August 1966 by the merger of the old positions of Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and Secretary of State for the Colonies. The position dealt with British relations with members of the Commonwealth of Nations...
. For the same reason, in Commonwealth countries other than the United Kingdom, the ministers responsible for handling relations with both Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth countries were formerly usually designated ministers for 'External Affairs'.
In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, the United States Secretary of State
United States Secretary of State
The United States Secretary of State is the head of the United States Department of State, concerned with foreign affairs. The Secretary is a member of the Cabinet and the highest-ranking cabinet secretary both in line of succession and order of precedence...
handles foreign policy and is the senior Cabinet
United States Cabinet
The Cabinet of the United States is composed of the most senior appointed officers of the executive branch of the federal government of the United States, which are generally the heads of the federal executive departments...
officer. The name of the post comes from several domestic duties.
Although it is very rare for there to be any sub-national foreign minister post, although sometimes there is a minor external relations position, it can exist supranationally. The European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
has dealt with external relations in certain areas since its inception (see EU Trade Commissioner
European Commissioner for Trade
The European Commissioner for Trade is the member of the European Commission responsible for the European Union's common commercial policy...
) and has a High Representative
High Representative
High Representative may refer to either:* The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy High Representative may refer to either:* The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy High Representative may refer to either:* The High...
as its chief diplomat. However her duties are primarily to implement EU foreign policy, rather than formulate it.
Other common titles may include minister of foreign relations. In many Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America
Latin America
Latin America is a region of the Americas where Romance languages – particularly Spanish and Portuguese, and variably French – are primarily spoken. Latin America has an area of approximately 21,069,500 km² , almost 3.9% of the Earth's surface or 14.1% of its land surface area...
, the foreign minister is colloquially called canciller (chancellor
Chancellor
Chancellor is the title of various official positions in the governments of many nations. The original chancellors were the Cancellarii of Roman courts of justice—ushers who sat at the cancelli or lattice work screens of a basilica or law court, which separated the judge and counsel from the...
) (in Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, a Portuguese-speaking country, is chanceler).
By year
- 1950
- 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
- 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
- 2010, 2011
Country-related articles and lists
| Country | Name of office | Chairman of the office |
|---|---|---|
 Abkhazia |
Ministry for Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Afghanistan |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Afghanistan) The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs - MFA - is the Government of Afghanistan Cabinet officer responsible for managing the Foreign relations of Afghanistan.-Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan:-External links:*... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Albania |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Albania) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the ministry in the Government of Albania which is in charge of foreign relations and admission of Albania into the European Union and NATO. The current minister is Edmond Haxhinasto, who replaced Ilir Meta due to a corruption scandal.... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Foreign Affairs (Albania) The Minister of Foreign Affairs in the government of Albania, is the cabinet minister responsible for the foreign relations of Albania.The minister is in charge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose headquarters are located on the Ali Demi street in Tirana.The current minister is Edmond... |
 Angola |
Ministry of External Relations | Minister of External Relations Minister of External Relations (Angola) Foreign Minister of Angola is a cabinet level position in the national government.-Foreign Ministers:*1975-1976: José Eduardo dos Santos*1976-1984: Paulo Teixeira Jorge*1984-1985: José Eduardo dos Santos*1985-1989: Afonso Van-Dúnem M'Binda... |
 Argentina |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship is the Argentine government ministry which oversees the foreign relations of Argentina.The current Chancellor is Héctor Timerman.-External links:... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship |
 Armenia |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Armenia) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the Armenian government ministry which oversees the foreign relations of Armenia. It has been in existence since shortly after the independence of Armenia in 1918.- External links :... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs Eduard Nalbandyan Eduard Nalbandyan is an Armenian diplomat. He is the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia since April 2008.... |
 Australia |
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia) The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is a department of the government of Australia charged with advancing the interests of Australia and its citizens internationally... |
Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Foreign Affairs (Australia) In the Government of Australia, the Minister for Foreign Affairs is responsible for overseeing the international diplomacy section of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In common with international practice, the office is often informally referred to as Foreign Minister... |
 Austria |
Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (Austria) The Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs is Austria's foreign ministry and, therefore, responsible for its relations with foreign countries as well as international organisations, especially the European Union... |
Foreign Minister of Austria Foreign Minister of Austria The Foreign Minister of Austria is responsible for handling Austria's foreign policy.-Under the First Austrian Republic:* Victor Adler* Otto Bauer* Karl Renner* Michael Mayr* Johann Schober* Walter Breisky* Leopold Hennet* Alfred Grünberger... |
 Azerbaijan |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Azerbaijan) Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan is a Cabinet-level governmental agency in Azerbaijan Republic in charge of conducting and designing Azerbaijani Foreign policy.- History :... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 The Bahamas |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bahamas) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the Bahamas government ministry which oversees the foreign relations of Bahamas. The Current foreign affairs minister is the Honourable Brent Symonette whom is also the Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas.... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Foreign Affairs (Bahamas) The Minister of Foreign Affairs is the primary government officer in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas mandated to control foreign missions of the country. He is the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has the responsibility of implementing the Bahamaian government's foreign affarirs priorities... |
 Bangladesh |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bangladesh) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the Bangladeshi government ministry which oversees the foreign relations of Bangladesh.-Fundamental Foreign Policy of Bangladesh:1... |
Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Foreign Minister of Bangladesh The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh heads the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The current foreign minister is Dipu Moni, who has served since January 6, 2009.-List of foreign ministers:-See also:* Constitution of Bangladesh... |
 Belarus |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Belgium |
Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation FPS Foreign Affairs Belgium The FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation , more commonly known as the FPS Foreign Affairs, is a Federal Public Service of Belgium. It was created by Royal Order on March 8, 2002, as part of the plans of the first Verhofstadt Government to modernise the federal administration... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Benin |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Integration Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Integration (Benin) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Integration is the Benin government ministry which oversees the foreign relations of Benin.... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, La Francophonie, and Beninese Abroad |
 Brazil |
Ministry of External Relations Ministry of External Relations (Brazil) The Ministry of External Relations conducts Brazil's foreign relations with other countries. It is commonly referred to in Brazilian media and diplomatic jargon as the Itamaraty, after the palace which hosts the ministry... |
Minister of External Relations Antonio Patriota Antonio de Aguiar Patriota is a Brazilian diplomat and current Minister of External Relations, succeeding Chancellor Celso Amorim... |
 Kingdom of Bulgaria |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bulgaria) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria is the ministry charged with overseeing the foreign relations of Bulgaria. It has been in existence since shortly after the Liberation of Bulgaria, with the first minister stepping into office on 17 July 1879... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivaylo Kalfin Ivaylo Georgiev Kalfin is a Bulgarian politician. A three-term deputy, he was Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria and Deputy Prime Minister from 2005 to 2009... |
 Myanmar |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs Nyan Win Nyan Win is the Chief Minister of Bago Region. He won a Regional Hluttaw seat in an uncontested election in 2010, representing Zigon Township, and was appointed Chief Minister of the region on 30 March 2011. Prior to his election, he was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, having been... |
 Canada |
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade | Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Foreign Affairs (Canada) The Minister of Foreign Affairs is the Minister of the Crown in the Canadian Cabinet who is responsible for overseeing the federal government's international relations section of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.... |
 People's Republic of China |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China is an executive agency responsible for foreign relations between the People's Republic of China and other countries in the world. The agency is led by the Foreign Minister. The current minister is Yang Jiechi... |
Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China The Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China is the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and one of the country's most important cabinet posts... |
 Chile |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Colombia |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also known as the Chancellery, is the national executive ministry of the Government of Colombia responsible for the foreign relations of Colombia through its diplomatic missions abroad by formulating foreign policy relevant to the matters of the State, it is... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Independent State of Croatia |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration (Croatia) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia is the ministry in the Government of Croatia which is in charge of foreign relations and admission into the European Union.-Foreign affairs ministers:... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration |
 Cuba |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cuba) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the Cuban government ministry which oversees the foreign relations of Cuba.... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Cyprus |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Czech Republic |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Czech Republic) Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles foreign policy of the Czech Republic. , the Minister of Foreign Affairs is Karel Schwarzenberg.- External links :*... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Foreign Affairs (Czech Republic) The Minister of Foreign Affairs is the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and handles foreign policy of the Czech Republic.- Ministers of Foreign Affairs :... |
 Denmark |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs (list) |
 Ecuador |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Integration | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Egypt |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Egypt) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt is the Egyptian government ministry which oversees the foreign relations of Egypt. The current Minister is Mohamed Kamel Amr.-Early history:... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Estonia |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Estonia) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia is a Cabinet-level governmental agency in Estonia in charge of conducting and designing Estonian Foreign policy.- History :... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Ethiopia |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ethiopia) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the Ethiopian government ministry which oversees the foreign relations of Ethiopia.... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 European Union |
European External Action Service European External Action Service The European External Action Service is a European Union department that was established following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon on 1 December 2009... |
High Representative High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is the main co-ordinator and representative of the Common Foreign and Security Policy within the European Union... |
 Fiji |
Ministry for Foreign Affairs | Minister for Foreign Affairs (Fiji) Minister for Foreign Affairs (Fiji) The Minister for Foreign Affairs is Fiji's Cabinet Minister responsible for international relations and diplomacy... |
 Finland |
Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Finland) The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is a ministry in the Finnish Government and is responsible for preparing and implementing the government's foreign policy.-Organisation:... |
Minister for Foreign Affairs |
 Early Modern France |
Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs | Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Minister of Foreign Affairs (France) Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs ), is France's foreign affairs ministry, with the headquarters located on the Quai d'Orsay in Paris close to the National Assembly of France. The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs in the government of France is the cabinet minister responsible for... |
 Gabon |
Ministry for Foreign Affairs | Minister for Foreign Affairs (Gabon) |
 Georgia (country) |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Georgia) | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Germany |
Foreign Office Foreign Office (Germany) The Foreign Office is the foreign ministry of Germany, a federal agency responsible for both the country's foreign politics and its relationship with the European Union. From 1871 to 1919, it was led by a Foreign Secretary, and since 1919, it has been led by the Foreign Minister of Germany... |
Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany) The Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs is the head of the Federal Foreign Office and a member of the Cabinet of Germany. The current office holder is Guido Westerwelle... |
 German Democratic Republic |
Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the German Democratic Republic Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the German Democratic Republic The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the German Democratic Republic was a government body of the German Democratic Republic that existed from 1949 to 1990. It had its seat at Schinkelplatz in Berlin-Mitte... |
Foreign Minister of the German Democratic Republic |
 Ghana |
Ministry for Foreign Affairs | Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ghana) The Minister for Foreign Affairs is the Ghana government official who is responsible for overseeing the country's foreign policy and international diplomacy. The minister is usually one of the most senior members of Cabinet.... |
 Greece |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Greece) The Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a government agency of Greece. The Minister for Foreign Affairs controls the agency. The ministry has its headquarters in Athens.-External links:* *... |
Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Foreign Affairs (Greece) The Minister for Foreign Affairs is the senior minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, established on 3 April 1833. The current Minister for Foreign Affairs, since 11 November 2011 is the former European Commissioner Stavros Dimas... |
 Haiti |
Ministry for Foreign Affairs | Minister for Foreign Affairs |
 Hong Kong |
Commerce and Economic Development Bureau Commerce and Economic Development Bureau The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau is an agency of the Government of Hong Kong responsible for a range of activities such as commercial relations, investment, intellectual property enforcement, industry, tourism sector, consumer protection and market competition... Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau is an agency of the Government of Hong Kong responsible for the implementation of the Basic Law. The bureau is the intermediary between the HKSAR Government and the Central People's Government and other Mainland authorities under the principles of... |
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development , head of Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the Hong Kong Government, is responsible for promoting the commerce and economic development in Hong Kong... Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs |
 Hungary |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Foreign Affairs (Hungary) The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary is a member of the Hungarian cabinet and the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The current foreign minister is János Martonyi.... |
 Iceland |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 India |
Ministry of External Affairs Ministry of External Affairs (India) The Ministry of External Affairs is the foreign ministry of India. It is the Indian government agency responsible for the foreign relations of India. The Minister of External Affairs holds cabinet rank as a member of the Council of Ministers. The current minister is S M Krishna... |
Minister of External Affairs |
 Indonesia |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Iran |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Iran) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an Iranian government ministry. The Minister for Foreign Affairs is the Cabinet member in charge.... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Iraq |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Iraq) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the Iraq government agency responsible for Foreign relations of Iraq with the International community.... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Republic of Ireland |
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade |
 Israel |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Israel) The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs is one of the most important ministries in the Israeli government. The ministry's role is to implement Israel's foreign policy, and promote economic, cultural, and scientific relations with other countries.... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Italy |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Italy) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the foreign ministry of the government of the Republic of Italy. It is also known as the Farnesina as a metonym from its headquarters, the Palazzo della Farnesina in Rome... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Japan |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan) The is a cabinet level ministry of Japan responsible for the country's foreign relations.The ministry is due to the second term of the third article of the National Government Organization Act , and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Establishment Act establishes the ministry... |
Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Foreign Affairs (Japan) The of Japan is the Cabinet member responsible for Japanese foreign policy and the chief executive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Since the end of the American occupation of Japan, the position has been one of the most powerful in the Cabinet, as Japan's economic interests have long relied on... |
 Jordan |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Kazakhstan |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kazakhstan) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the Kazakh government ministry which oversees the foreign relations of Kazakhstan.... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Kenya |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kenya) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya is the Kenyan government ministry which oversees the foreign relations of Kenya.The Ministry was established in 1963 after Kenya's independence... |
Minister for Foreign Affairs |
 Republic of Kosovo |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kosovo) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Kosovo is the ministry in the Government of Kosovo which is in charge of foreign relations and admission of Kosovo into the European Union.-Foreign Ministers:*2008-2010: Skënder Hyseni... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Liberia |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Libya |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs (Libya) Minister of Foreign Affairs (Libya) This is a list of foreign ministers of Libya.*1951–1954: Mahmud al-Muntasir*1954–1954: Muhammad Sakizli*1954–1957: Abdul Salam al-Buseiri*1957–1957: Abdul Majid Kubar*1957–1958: Wahbi al-Bouri*1958–1960: Abdul Majid Kubar*1960–1961: Abdul Qadir Allam... |
 Lithuania |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Lithuania) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania is participating in formation of Lithuania's Foreign Affairs policy and represent interest of Lithuania and its citizens, protect their rights. The current head of the Ministry is Audronius Ažubalis... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Luxembourg |
Ministry for Foreign Affairs | Minister for Foreign Affairs |
 Malaysia |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Malaysia) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia is the Malaysian government ministry which oversees the foreign relations of Malaysia. The current ministry is based in Putrajaya with Datuk Seri Anifah Aman as Minister, Senator A... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Malta |
Ministry for Foreign Affairs | Minister for Foreign Affairs |
 Mauritania |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mauritania) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mauritania) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the national ministry of foreign affairs of Mauritania. It has its headquarters in Nouakchott, just to the northwest of the Nouakchott Convention Center complex.... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Mexico |
Secretariat of Foreign Affairs Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (Mexico) The Secretariat of Foreign Affairs is the government department responsible for Mexico's foreign affairs.-Missions:Mexico currently has:* 73 Embassies* 33 Consulates-Generals* 35 Consulates... |
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Secretary of Foreign Affairs (Mexico) In Mexico, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs is a member of the federal executive cabinet with responsibility for implementing the country's foreign policy. The secretary is appointed by the President of the Republic and heads the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs ... |
 Moldova |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry of the Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova is one of the sixeteen ministries of the Government of Moldova.The current Minister is Iurie Leancă, member of Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova .... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration |
 Kingdom of Montenegro |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Montenegro) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Government of Montenegro is the foreign-affairs ministry in the Government of Montenegro.-Ministers:... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Namibia |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs (Namibia) |
 Netherlands |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Netherlands) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the Dutch ministry of foreign affairs: it is occupied with the external relations of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including European cooperation and International development... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 New Zealand |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Foreign Affairs (New Zealand) The Minister of Foreign Affairs is a major ministerial portfolio in the government of New Zealand.The current Minister of Foreign Affairs is Murray McCully, who was National Party Spokeperson of Foreign Affairs and Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs. There are also Associate Minister roles... |
 Niger |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and African Integration Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and African Integration (Niger) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and African Integration of the Government of Niger is the government authority responsible for the Foreign relations of Niger and its diplomatic corps abroad... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Nigeria |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Norway |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foregin Affairs |
 Pakistan |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Pakistan) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Pakistan) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also known as Foreign Ministry, is a Government of Pakistan's federal and executive Ministry which is responsible for international and Foreign Affairs. The ministry was created in 1947, and was one of the first ministries to be established... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs (Pakistan) |
 Palestinian territories |
Foreign Affairs Minister of the Palestinian National Authority Foreign Affairs Minister of the Palestinian National Authority The Foreign Affairs Minister of the Palestinian National Authority is in charge of foreign relations. In June 2006, Israel attacked the ministry's office in Gaza City twice... |
|
 Peru |
Ministry of Foreign Relations Ministry of Foreign Relations (Peru) The Ministry of Foreign Relations of Peru is the statal entity of the Executive in charge of prepare and execute the foreign politics of the Peruvian State. It works in coordination with Peruvian ambassadors and consuls with accrediting in different countries and with international organizations... |
Minister of Foreign Relations |
 Philippines |
Department of Foreign Affairs Department of Foreign Affairs (Philippines) The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs is the executive department of the Philippine government tasked to contribute to the enhancement of national security and the protection of the territorial integrity and national sovereignty, to participate in the national endeavor of sustaining... |
Secretary of Foreign Affairs |
 Poland |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Portugal |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs , MNE, is a Portuguese government ministry.-External links:*... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Foreign Affairs (Portugal) The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal is in charge of conducting the foreign policy established by the Portuguese government, representing the country in many international meetings. The current Minister is Paulo Portas... |
 Kingdom of Romania |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Russia |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 São Tomé and Príncipe |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Kingdom of Scotland |
Minister for Culture and External Affairs | |
 Senegal |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs Foreign Minister of Senegal The Foreign Minister of Senegal is a cabinet-level position in the government of the Republic of Senegal. The position was founded upon independence of Senegal from France in 1960.-List of Foreign Ministers of Senegal:... |
 Serbia |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Serbia) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia is the foreign ministry of the Government of Serbia. It is charged with maintaining the consular affairs and foreign relations of Serbia... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Seychelles |
Ministry for Foreign Affairs | Ministry for Foreign Affairs Minister for Foreign Affairs (Seychelles) This page lists Foreign Ministers of Seychelles:* James Richard Mancham* Jacques Hodoul* Guy Sinon* Maxime Ferrari* France-Albert René* Danielle de St. Jorre* Jérémie Bonnelame* Patrick Pillay* James Michel* Jean-Paul Adam... |
 Sierra Leone |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation | Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation |
 Singapore |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Singapore) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries. It is headed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the office currently held by K... |
Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Foreign Affairs (Singapore) The Minister for Foreign Affairs is head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a member of the Cabinet of Singapore.... |
 Slovakia |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Foreign Affairs (Slovakia) This is the list of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia.... |
 Slovenia |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Slovenia) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Government of Slovenia is the chief foreign affairs ministry in Slovenia, located in the capital Ljubljana. This ministry operates 57 diplomatic offices across the world including embassies, consulates, and permanent missions... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 South Africa |
Department of International Relations and Cooperation | Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Minister of International Relations and Cooperation The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is the foreign minister of the South African government, with political responsibility for South Africa's foreign relations and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation... |
 South Korea |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (South Korea) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is in charge of diplomacy for South Korea, as well as handling external trade and matters related to overseas Korean nationals. It was established on 17 July 1948. Until 1998, the ministry was known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; its jurisdiction over... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
 South Ossetia |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Sri Lanka |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Sri Lanka) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Sri Lanka that conducts and manages Sri Lanka's relations with other countries... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Soviet Union |
Ministry of External Relations (Soviet Union) | Minister of External Relations |
 Spain |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation | Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation |
 Sweden |
Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Sweden) The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible for Swedish foreign policy.Current ministers:*Carl Bildt Head of Office and Minister for Foreign Affairs.*Ewa Björling as Minister for Foreign Trade... |
Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Foreign Affairs (Sweden) The Minister for Foreign Affairs is the foreign minister of Sweden and the head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.The office was instituted in 1809 as a result of the constitutional Instrument of Government promulgated in the same year. Until 1876 the office was called Prime Minister for Foreign... |
 Switzerland |
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Federal Department of Foreign Affairs The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs is a department of the federal administration of Switzerland. It is charged with maintaining the foreign relations of Switzerland and serves as Switzerland's ministry of foreign affairs... |
Federal Councillor of Foreign Affairs Swiss Federal Council The Federal Council is the seven-member executive council which constitutes the federal government of Switzerland and serves as the Swiss collective head of state.... |
 Syria |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Republic of China) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China is a cabinet level policy-making body, governed under the Executive Yuan of the Republic of China. The fundamental purpose of the ministry is to promote, expand, and conduct bilateral foreign affairs with other nations. It is in charge of... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
 Thailand |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Thailand) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand is the principal government department in charge of foreign relations in Thailand. The ministry is headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs; who is also a member of the Cabinet of Thailand, he is appointed by the Prime Minister... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Tonga |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Turkey |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Turkey) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a government ministry office of the Republic of Turkey, responsible for foreign affairs in Turkey. Professor Ahmet Davutoğlu is current Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, appointed on May 1, 2009.... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Ukraine |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ukraine) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is the Ukrainian government ministry which oversees the foreign relations of Ukraine.-Historical overlook:... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 United Kingdom |
Foreign and Commonwealth Office Foreign and Commonwealth Office The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, commonly called the Foreign Office or the FCO is a British government department responsible for promoting the interests of the United Kingdom overseas, created in 1968 by merging the Foreign Office and the Commonwealth Office.The head of the FCO is the... |
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, commonly referred to as the Foreign Secretary, is a senior member of Her Majesty's Government heading the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and regarded as one of the Great Offices of State... |
 United States |
Department of State United States Department of State The United States Department of State , is the United States federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries... |
Secretary of State United States Secretary of State The United States Secretary of State is the head of the United States Department of State, concerned with foreign affairs. The Secretary is a member of the Cabinet and the highest-ranking cabinet secretary both in line of succession and order of precedence... |
 Uruguay |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Uzbekistan |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Uzbekistan) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan is a Cabinet-level governmental agency in Uzbekistan in charge of conducting and designing the foreign policy of Uzbekistan.-History and functions:... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Vatican City |
Secretariat of State | Secretary for Relations with States Secretary for Relations with States The Secretary for Relations with States is the foreign minister of the Holy See, an official serving within the Secretariat of State and presiding over its "Section for Relations with States." This ex officio archbishop deals with relations between the Holy See and other governments and... |
 Venezuela |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Foreign Affairs (Venezuela) Following is a list of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela.Currently incomplete* October 7, 1821 – August, 1825 Pedro Gual EscandónPresidency of Cipriano Castro.* 1899 - 1900 Raimundo Andueza Palacio * 1900 - 1901 Eduardo Blanco... |
 Vietnam |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
 Kingdom of Yugoslavia |
Minister of Foreign Affairs (Yugoslavia) | |
 Zimbabwe |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Zimbabwe) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a government ministry, responsible for the foreign relations of Zimbabwe. The incumbent minister is Samuel Mumbengegwi and the deputy minister is Moses Ndlovu.. It oversees:* Diplomatic missions of Zimbabwe... |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |
- Minister of Foreign Affairs (Yugoslavia)
- List of foreign ministers of Austria-Hungary
- List of foreign ministers of Prussia
External links
- eDiplomat.com: Foreign Affairs Ministries
- Foreign Ministries: Adaptation to a Changing World A collection of papers and presentations from a conference which address the issues of performance management and accountability assessment in foreign ministries, diplomacy of small states, foreign services conduct of economic, cultural and public diplomacy.
- The Diplo Directory A detailed survey of websites of ministries of foreign affairs, embassies, and other diplomatic and consular missions.