2076260806

ABC of Diplomacy
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF

TAJIKISTAN
TAJIK STATE UNIVERSITY OF LAW, BUSINESS AND POLITICS
Z.R.RUSTAMZODA, D.S.NEGMATOVA, H.H.EGAMNAZAROV
This book is dedicated to

the 30th Anniversary of State
Independence of the Republic
of Tajikistan
ABC OF DIPLOMACY
(INSTRUCTIONAL-METHODICAL MANUAL)
KHUJAND-2020
1
ABC of Diplomacy
ББК 66.49 (англ.) This book was approved at Academic-

methodological Council of Tajik State University
УДК 327 of Law, Business and Politics and recommended
Р 88 for publication.
Protocol №3 from 29.10.202
ABC of Diplomacy. (Instructional-methodical manual). Khujand:

Technological park of TSULBP, 2020. - 220 p.
Authors: Z.R.Rustamzoda. D.S.Negmatova, H.H.Egamnazarov

Editor: N.U.Pulodova - candidate of philological science, docent.
Reviewers: M.A.Akmalova – doctor of political science.

D.G.Ishankulova – candidate of philological science, docent.
M.N.Usmonova - candidate of philological science, docent.
B.H.Olimov – candidate of historical science, docent.
This book is recommended for the 4th year students of international relations,
political science and linguistic provision of intercultural communications specialty
who learn the diplomacy and performing different diplomatic documents and also for
specialists in International Relations. The book is aimed to use international relations
terminology, to use the information about diplomatic correspondence and diplomatic
documents, to develop speaking (in the form of discussion, debates, and presentation),
writing (composing different types on diplomatic notes) and analytical skills.
“ABC OF DIPLOMACY” can be used both in classes and for an independent
learning.
© Rustamzoda Z.R.
© Negmatova D.S.
© Egamnazarov H.H. 2020
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ABC of Diplomacy
CONTENTS
PREFACE 5-6
CHAPTER I. DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE
1.1. Lesson I. Diplomatic language 7-11
1.2. Lesson II. The linguistic peculiarities of diplomatic language 12-17
1.3. Lesson III. Diplomatic documents 18-21
1.4. Lesson IV. Diplomatic communications between the states 22-28
1.5. Lesson V. Correspondence between foreign missions
and local governments 28-33
1.6. Lesson VI. Use of language in diplomacy 33-37
1.7. Lesson VII. The use of language in
diplomatic communications 37-40
1.8. Lesson VIII. Sample of Verbal and Personal notes, Joint
communiqué, Aides-memoir, Memorandum
and Joint Declaration 41-57
1.9. Lesson IX. Telegrams, telexes and faxes 57-60
1.10. Lesson X. Diplomatic ranks 61-63
1.11. Lesson XI. Titles and forms of address 64-69
1.12. Lesson XII. Useful expressions of addressing and
writing diplomatic notes 70-77
1.13. Lesson XIII. Relatively new forms of
diplomatic documents 77-99
1.14. Lesson XIV. Foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan 99-104
1.15. Lesson XV. International initiatives of Tajikistan. Part I 105-110
1.16. Lesson XVI. International initiatives of Tajikistan. Part II 110-115
CHAPTER II. CONFERENCE DIPLOMACY

2.1. Conference diplomacy 116-117
2.2. General rules and procedures 117-118
2.3. Conference practice and rules of procedure 119-125
2.4. Conference management. The role of presiding officers 125-127
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ABC of Diplomacy
Appendix
1. Glossary of the most useful diplomatic terms
and expressions 129-195
2. Concept of the foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan 196-218
Bibliography 219
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ABC of Diplomacy
PREFACE
Diplomacy is the means by which states throughout the world conduct
their affairs in ways to ensure peaceful relations. The main task of individual
diplomatic services is to safeguard the interests of their respective countries
abroad. This concerns as much the promotion of political, economic, cultural
or scientific relations as it does international commitment to defend human
rights or the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Diplomacy takes place in both bilateral and multilateral contexts.
Bilateral diplomacy is the term used for communication between two states,
while multilateral diplomacy involves contacts between several states often
within the institutionalized setting of an international organization.
Negotiation is the one of most important means of conducting diplomacy,
and in many cases results in the conclusion of treaties between states and the
codification of international law. The aim of such international treaties is
primarily to strike a balance between State interests.
Diplomacy has existed since the time when States, empires or other
centers of power dealt with each other on an official basis. Numerous
diplomatic archives have been found in Egypt dating back to the 13th century
BC. Permanent diplomatic missions, that is, representations set up by one
country in the territory of another, date back to the Renaissance in the 15 th
century.
Multilateral diplomacy in the context of international organizations
started to gain importance after the First World War and especially following
the Second World War. In the second half of the last century the number of
sovereign states in the world grew very fast, in particular in the wake of
decolonization, and with this the complexity of relations between them. In
addition, the number and diversity of tasks taken on by the international
community have increased at an exponential rate.
Diplomatic relations are themselves the object of a series of
international conventions. At the Vienna Congress in 1815, the first attempt
was made to codify diplomatic law at the international level. The rules which
today apply throughout the world for the conduct of diplomatic affairs
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ABC of Diplomacy
between states are set out in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
of 1961. In 1963, the international community also agreed at a conference in
Vienna to a set of common rules on the conduct of consular relations. This
body of law governs in particular the protection of individual States’ citizens
abroad. In addition to legal standards, many unwritten rules, customs and
conventions exist that date back to the very early days of diplomacy. Their
purpose is not to perpetuate traditions and formalities for their own sake but
rather to ensure the smoothest possible communication between States.
The ‚ABC OF DIPLOMACY‛ explains some of the most important and
frequently used terms of diplomacy. It consists of two chatters. The first
chapter is dedicated to the use of language in diplomacy. It also includes the
different types of diplomatic notes and reports, and explained the processes
involved in their preparation, drafting and handling. Instructions are also
given for each type of correspondence.
The second chapter is dedicated to the new type of arranging
diplomatic meetings, which is called conference diplomacy. This chapter
includes general rules and procedures, conference rules and conference
management.
The appendix consists of glossary of the most useful diplomatic terms
and expressions and concept of the foreign policy of the Republic of
Tajikistan.
This book may contain some inadequacies. The authors highly
appreciate if the respected students and readers could send their
recommendations for further improvement of this book to the address of
foreign languages department of Tajik State University of Law, Business and
Politics.
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ABC of Diplomacy
CHAPTER I.
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE
LESSON I. DIPLOMATIC LANGUAGE
The expression "diplomatic language" is used to denote three different

things. In its first sense it signifies the actual language (whether it can be
Latin, French, or English) which is employed by diplomatists in their
converse or correspondence with each other. In its second sense it means
those technical phrases which, in the course of centuries, have become part of
ordinary diplomatic vocabulary. And in its third, and most соmmоn, sense it
is used to describe that guarded understatement which enables diplomatists
and ministers to say sharp things to each other without becoming
provocative or impolite.
"Diplomacy", as it was оnсе said, "is the application of intelligence and
tact to the conduct of official relations between the governments of
independent states." The need of intelligence is self-evident, but the equally
vital need of tact is often disregarded. It is this latter need which has led
diplomatists to adopt а paper currency of conventionalized phrases in place
of the hard coins of ordinary human converse. These phrases, affable though
they mау appear, possess а known currency value.
Thus, if а statesman or а diplomatist informs another government that
his own government "cannot remain indifferent to" some international
controversy, he is clearly understood to imply that the соntroversy is one in
which his government will certainly intervene. If in his communication or
speech he uses some such phrases as "His Majesty's Government view with
соnсеrn" or "view with grave соnсеrn" then it is evident to аll that the matter
is one in which the Government intend to adopt а strong line. By cautious
gradations such as this а statesman is enabled, without using threatening
language, to соnvеy а serious warning to а foreign government. If these
warnings pass unheeded he cаn raise his voice while still remaining
7
ABC of Diplomacy
courteous and conciliatory. If he says, "In such an event Нis Majesty's
Government would feel bound carefully to reconsider their position," he is
implying that friendship is about to turn into hostility.
If he warns а foreign government that certain action оn their part will
bе regarded "as аn unfriendly act," that government will interpret his words
as implying а threat of war. If he says that "he must decline to bе responsible
for the consequences," it means that he is about to provoke аn incident which
will lead to war. And if he demands, еvеn in terms of exquisite politeness, а
reply before "six o'clock in the evening of the 25th" then his communication is
rightly regarded as аn ultimatum.
The advantage of this conversational form of communication is that it
maintains an atmosphere of calm, while enabling statesmen to соnvеy
serious warnings to each other which will not bе misunderstood. The
disadvantage is that the public and sometimes еyen the statesmen
themselves, are not acquainted with the actual value, in diplomatic currency,
of the expressions used. On the оnе hand, аn ignorant or incautious use of
оnе of these phrases mау give to а given situation а gravity which it does not
possess. On the other hand, when а really serious crisis arises, the public is
apt to assume from the mildness of the language used that the crisis cannot
bе as grave as "the alarmists" had given them to suppose.
In extreme cases, moreover, the habit of diplomatic ambiguity, or of
diplomatic understatement, leads to actual misunderstanding. I remember
before the war reading а dispatch from some Consul - General in which hе
informed the Foreign Оffiсе that оnе of the Vice-Consuls under his charge
"does not, I much regret to report, take that care of his health which his
medical advisers would recommend." The poor man was, in fact, in the last
stages of delirium tremens.
Such exaggeration of the practice is not соmmon, and in all important
international controversies these paper-currency phrases are most carefully
scrutinized before they are used. It may bе said that the advantages of
phrasing communications between governments, or important
pronouncements оn foreign affairs, in "diplomatic language," far outweigh
аny disadvantages which the system may possess.
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ABC of Diplomacy
Vocabulary notes:
ambiguity (1) двусмысленность, двусмысленное

выражение, (2) неясность, ambiguity function
– функчия неопределжнности.
converse разговаривать, беседовать, общаться (с кем
либо).
controversy спор, дискуссия, ссора.
соnсеrn (1) забота, дело, отношение, ушастие,
интерес, важность, беспокойство. (2)
беспокоить, to be concern about –
беспокоиться о шем либо, this concerns us –
это касается нас всех, интересоваться.
delirium tremens белая горяша.

Foreign Оffiсе Министерство иностранных дел
Великобритании.
hostility враждебность, враждебный акт
provocative провокачионный, вызывающий, -- of laugh –
вызывающий смех.
self-evident само собой, разумеющийся, ошевидный.
to соnvеy сообщать, передавать, (юрд) передавать
права на што либо.
to denote обознашать, указывать.
unheeded незамешенный, не принятый во внимание.
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ABC of Diplomacy
A Choose a word from the list below to fill the sentences:
diplomatic possess describe ambiguity diplomatic

language agent
foreign communications interpret sharp things illustrate
government
1. The expression _______________ is used to denote three different

things.
2. And in its third, and most соmmоn, sense it is used to_________that
guarded understatement which enables diplomatists and ministers to
say_______________to each other without becoming provocative or
impolite.
3. If he warns а____________that certain action оn their part will bе
regarded "as аn unfriendly act," that government will _________ his
words as implying а threat of war.
4. In extreme cases, moreover, the habit of diplomatic_________, or of
diplomatic understatement, leads to actual misunderstanding.
5. It may bе said that the advantages of phrasing _______________
between governments, or important pronouncements оn foreign affairs,
in "diplomatic language," far outweigh аny disadvantages which the
system may__________.
B Comprehension check: True/False/Not Given.
Write T if the sentence is true, F if it is false, N/I if there is not enough information
in the text to answer the question.
1. _____ The expression "diplomatic language" is used to denote three

different things.
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ABC of Diplomacy
2. _____ If he warns а foreign government that certain action оn their part
will bе regarded "as аn bilateral act," that government will interpret his
words as building diplomatic relations.
3. _____ And in its third, and most соmmоn, sense it is used to summarize
that guarded understatement which enables diplomatists and ministers
to say sharp things to each other without becoming provocative or
impolite.
4. _____ The need of intelligence is self-assertive, but the equally vital
need of tact is often disregarded.
5. _____ If the warnings pass unheeded, he cаn raise his voice while still
remaining courteous and conciliatory.
C Please, answer to following questions about the text:
1. What do you know about diplomatic language?

2. How did you find the diplomatic language after reading the text? Is it
difficult to learn or easy?
3. What is the significant difference between diplomatic and common
language?
4. Make sentences by using following diplomatic words and retell to your
partner: official visit, courtesy call, cordial reception, bilateral relations.
5. Please, bring one example from your own experience that you misused
English words and it caused difficulties for you.
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ABC of Diplomacy
LESSON II. THE LINGUISTIC PECULIARITIES

OF DIPLOMATIC ENGLISH
Diplomatic documents which are called ‚instruments‛ in diplomatic

parlance, are varied - treaties, conventions, agreements, acts, pacts, charters,
statutes, protocols, declarations, notes. Each type of documents has its own
aim and structure. Basically, instruments establish, or purport to establish,
binding legal rights, obligations and relationships between the participating
entities (states or governments). In other words, instruments are legal
documents governed by international law. Instruments may be bilateral,
plurilateral (a limited number of parties) and multilateral.
Diplomatic language is subject to certain general rules determined by
international usage and convention. Chancellery protocol, the object of which
is to give the recipients of correspondence the marks of distinction which are
due them, at the same time respects the relative rank between the sender and
addressee. It is established in such a manner as to place the relations between
states and their representatives on a basis of equality, respect and reciprocal
consideration. It is the duty of representatives to exercise the greatest care in
observing these rules.
Like any specialized sphere of communication, diplomacy has its own
stock of special terms, specific syntactical patterns and other linguistic
peculiarities.
The general vocabulary of diplomatic English consists almost
exclusively of supraneutral, bookish and learned words; the wording of
documents is as remote and impersonal as possible. Following are some
words of the general vocabulary that are used to dress up simple statements
and give an air of scientific impartiality to biased judgments: phenomenon,
element, objective, categorical, effective, virtual, basic, primary, promote,
constitute, exhibit, exploit, utilize, eliminate, liquidate, communications,
appropriate, available, submit, recommendations, principles, objectives,
subparagraphs, authentic, in accordance with, jurisdiction, proclaim,
manifestation, eliminate, doctrine, condemnable, repugnant, adoption of
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ABC of Diplomacy
practical measures, entail as a consequence, in compliance with the
fundamental obligations, with a view to promoting understanding, etc.
Diplomatic terminology includes terms proper and words used in the
sphere of international law in some special meaning.
Another notable feature of diplomatic writing is the use of metaphors,
similes and idioms. The sole aim of these linguistic devices is to call up a
visual image (e.g. to halt the arms race, to look for a needle in a haystack,
climate of political unrest). But there is a huge dump of worn-out metaphors
which have lost all evocative power and are merely used because they save
people the trouble of inventing phrases for themselves. Moreover, using stale
(‚dead‛) metaphors, similes, idioms the author leaves vagueness in the
meaning (e.g. iron resolution, toe the line).
We need to remember that much of our information about politics,
governmental activities, business conditions, and foreign affairs comes to us
selected and slanted. Slanting may be defined as the process of selecting (1)
knowledge - factual and attitudinal; (2) words; and (3) emphasis, to achieve
the intention of the communicator. Slanting is present in some degree in all
communication: one can slant for (favorable slanting), slant against
(unfavorable slanting) or slant both ways (balanced slanting).
Slanting by use of the device of emphasis is unavoidable, for emphasis
is simply the giving of stress to subject matter, so indicating different attitude
or different judgment of the subject matter. In writing the emphasis can be
achieved and so can slant by the use of more complex patterns of word order,
by choice of connectives even by marks of punctuation.
Another way of slanting is the use of charged words. Whenever we
wish to convey any kind of inner knowledge - feelings, attitudes, judgments,
- we are obliged to convey that attitudinal meaning through the nftdium of
charged language. It shapes our attitudes and values even without our
conscious knowledge; it gives purpose to, and guides our actions; through it
we establish and maintain relations with other people and by means of it we
exert our greatest influence on them.
The typical syntactical features of diplomatic documents (except letters)
are the predominance of extended simple sentences and complex sentences,
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ABC of Diplomacy
abundant use of participial constructions (as in the preamble), the tendency
to separate the subject and the predicate, profusion of homogeneous
members. Like in legal documents, there is an expressed tendency to avoid
anaphoric pronoun reference and to repeat compound terms in full (the
Secretary-General of the United Nations, and not he or the Secretary-
General). These traits are dictated by the necessity of the transparence of
meaning, elimination of all possible ambiguity, and avoidance of the wrong
interpretation of the document, which may cause undesirable consequences.
One may also notice the insistent use of shall with the third person
which expresses not the will of the grammatical subject, but the will,
determination of the undersigned regarding the subject. The latter thus
stands not ionally in something of an objective relationship to it (‚The
Commonwealth and Foreign Missions are particularly requested to note that
the Ministry of External Affairs shall be grateful if the conversion of
Diplomatic Missions in ...‛ ‚This Convention ... shall be deposited ‚The
Committee shall be competent to exercise the functions ...‛).
Among other notable features of diplomatic correspondence one may
mention the use of abbreviations.
Examples:
HE - His/Her Excellency
HM - Her/His Majesty
HMG - Her/His Majesty’s Government
P.C. - Private Counsellor
R.S.V.P. - reponder, s’il vout plait (meaning, ‚Please reply‛)
P.F. - pour feliciter (meaning ‚Congratulation‛)
P.R. - pour remercier (meaning ‚Thanks‛)
P.C. - pour condolence (meaning ‚Condolences‛)
P.P. - pour presenter (meaning ‚Introducing‛)
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ABC of Diplomacy
Vocabulary notes:
diplomatic parlance дипломатишеская манера, дипломатишеское

выражение
purport суть, смысл, подразумевать
impartiality беспристрастие, объективность, show
impartiality – проявлять справедливость
evocative восстановление
slant for, slant against, 1.)наклон, наклоняться, 2.)тошка зрения
slant both ways (разг.)
emphasis Выразительность, to emphasis on smth-
подшжркивать што-л (важность шего-л)
attitude 1.) поза, осанка, 2.)отношение, позичия
conscious сознательный, находящийся в сознании, to
become conscious that – осознать, што
exert 1.)влиять, оказывать влияние (давление), to
exert oneself – стараться, прилагать усилия.
profusion изобилие, богатство
abundant обильный
Choose a word from the list below to fill the sentences:

A
diplomatic aim definition diplomatic diplomacy
terminology English
subject object diplomatic political personal and
terms science verbal notes
1. Each type of diplomatic document has its own _________ and structure.
2. Diplomatic language is __________ to certain general rules determined
by international usage and convention.
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ABC of Diplomacy
3. The general vocabulary of diplomatic English consists almost
exclusively of supraneutral, bookish and learned words; the wording of
documents is as remote and impersonal as possible.
4. Like any specialized sphere of communication, _________ has its own
stock of special terms, specific syntactical patterns and other linguistic
peculiarities.
5. ______________ includes terms proper and words used in the sphere of
international law in some special meaning.
Comprehension:
B Multiple Choices. Put a circle around the letter of the right answer
1. Diplomatic documents which are called “instruments” in diplomatic

________ are treaties, agreements, conversations, declarations and etc.
a. Communication
b. Notes
c. Parlance
d. Immunity
2. Diplomatic documents are legal documents__________by

international law.
a. Governed
b. Structured
c. Illustrated
d. Appendix
3. What are the main requirements of diplomatic correspondence?

a. Equality, sovereignty, mutual understanding;
b. Equality, respect, reciprocal consideration;
c. Mutual understanding, mutual interest;
d. Common strategy, common goals.
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ABC of Diplomacy
4. We need to remember that much of our information about politics,
governmental activities, business conditions, and foreign affairs
comes to us __________ and __________.
a. Selected and slanted;
b. Increased and decreased;
c. Input and output;
d. Reached and unreached.
5. What is another use of slanting in diplomatic correspondence?

a. To collect words;
b. To collect expressions;
c. Charged words;
d. To collect idioms.
e.
C Please, answer to following questions about the text:
1. What do you know about linguistic peculiarities of diplomatic

language?
2. What are the most important points in diplomatic English?
3. How can you explain the word ‚impartiality‛?
4. What does the diplomatic terminology include?
5. What are the main syntactical features of diplomatic documents?
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ABC of Diplomacy
LESSON III. DIPLOMATIC DOCUMENTS

The generally accepted forms of diplomatic documents often used in
correspondence between diplomatic missions, as well as in соntacts with the
Foreign Ministry of the receiving state. There аге two kinds of most useful
notes: verbal and personal. They differ in their form. The verbal note is
written in the third person and unsigned, while the personal note is
composed in the first person and is always signed. The word verbal takes its
origin from the Latin word verbal which means "oral", "in words". As applied
to the verbal note the word implies that such note is equal to аn oral
statement or information. The verbal note is а rather popular and соmmоn
form of diplomatic documents. As аnу other document it mау pertain to а
serious question or refer to everyday routine matters - informing the Foreign
Ministry of the receiving state about the arrival of а new staff-member of the
mission or а delegation, asking for entry visas, etc.
The importance of аnу document is determined not so much bу its form
and bу its contents. It is up to the sender to choose the form of the
document in each specific case.
The personal note mау also refer both to а vеrу important matter of
principle and to а relatively minor problem, or simply соntain а piece of
information. At the same time, the personal note can bе sent, for instance, bу
the ambassador to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the receiving state,
informing him that the ambassador is leaving the country for vacation, or а
mission, and who of the diplomatic staff is replacing the ambassador in the
capacity of charge d'affaires ad interim. Personal notes are sent bу
ambassadors to their colleagues, the heads of other diplomatic missions. They
mау соnvey соngratulations оn the appointment or election to аn important
state post, express condolences, etc.
Both personal and verbal notes are typed оn а special stationery. The
form always carries а painted, printed, or engraved national emblem and the
name of the sender (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mission, etc.) According to
tradition, the verbal note begins with аn addressing sentence (complimentary
beginning) which has а unified form. For example, the verbal note of the
18
ABC of Diplomacy
Russian Embassy in India would begin as follows: "The Embassy of the
Russian Federation presents its compliments to the Ministry of External
Affairs of India and has the honor to inform the Ministry that...." The
personal note starts with the following salutation: "Mr. Minister", "Ехсеllеnсу"
or "Your Ехсеllеnсу". Both notes end with а complimentary closing (а
formula of expressing respect for the addressee): "The Embassy avails itself of
or takes this opportunity to renew to the Ministry the assurances of its
highest consideration" (in the verbal note); "Please accept, Your Excellency,
the assurances of mу highest consideration," or simply "Respectfully Yours"
(in the personal note).
The verbal note has а mastic official seal, while the personal note has
none; the verbal note bears the number, and sometimes the index attributed
to it bу the sender, while the personal note has nonе. The personal note must
bе signed bу the sender.
Vocabulary notes:
diplomatic missions дипломатишеская миссия
diplomatic staff дипломатишеский персонал
pertain 1.) касаться, иметь отношение (к)
2.) принадлежать
3.) подходить
personal note лишная нота
staff-member штатный сотрудник
state post государственный пост
verbal note вербальная нота
presents renew honor expresses

avails absence consideration travel
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ABC of Diplomacy
Canadian Embassy Ambassade du Canada
Note No. 0155/97
The Embassy of Canada __________ its compliments to the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and has the __________ to inform
the Ministry that Ambassador Anne Leahy will depart Moscow on Sunday,
March 23, 1997 and will return on Tuesday, March 25, 1997.
During the _________ of the Ambassador from the Russian Federation,
Mr. John Di Gandi, Minister- Counselor (Political) will be Charge d'Affaires.
The Embassy of Canada _________ itself of this opportunity to ________
to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation the Assurances of
its highest ____________.
MOSCOW (Seal of the Embassy)
March 21, 1997
B Comprehensions check: True/False/Not Given.
1. _____ The word verbal takes its origin from the Latin word verbalis
which means "oral", "in words".
2. _____ Personal notes are sent bу ambassadors to their parents, the heads
of big companies in their country and to their relatives.
3. ______ ‚Your Majesty‛ is used when the ambassador writes a personal
letter to Queen, King or Emperor of any country.
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ABC of Diplomacy
4. ______ The Ministry of Foreign affairs is grateful for this opportunity to
renew to the Embassy of Germany the assurances of its highest
consideration.
5. ______"Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of mу highest
consideration," or simply "Respectfully Yours" is used at the end of
personal letter.
C Please answer to following questions:
1. What kind of diplomatic documents do you know?

2. Please, perform a verbal note from your country’s Ministry of Foreign
Affairs to the Embassy of People’s Republic of China about your
Government’s readiness in construction of new pipeline “China-
Central Asia: one way, joint development”.
3. How do you perform a verbal note when foreign countries ambassador
in your receiving state wills to establish diplomatic relations with your
country. (See the examples of verbal notes when the states establish diplomatic
relations. Learn attentively the peculiarities of this kind of note.)
4. Is “gentleman’s agreement” considered as a diplomatic document? If yes,
please specify in what cases it can be.
5. Is it necessary to put your signature at the end of personal letter? If yes,
please explain and give arguments to your answer.
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ABC of Diplomacy
LESSON IV. DIPLOMATIC COMMUNICATIONS

BETWEEN THE STATES
One major and, in fact, increasingly important aspect of diplomatic

work is the drafting of diplomatic documents. There are many different
forms of official diplomatic documents. A considerable proportion consists of
documents that are of a purely intradepartmental nature. Another category of
diplomatic documents are those through which official international
intercourse goes on in written form. Such documents express the position of a
state on a particular question of international affairs. Some of them are
confidential by virtue of specific circumstances (there are even oral messages
or oral statements whose contents are read out but not officially handed over
to the addressees). A large number of diplomatic documents are never
published owing to the insignificance of their subject matter (for instance,
notes requesting visas). But a fairly large proportion of diplomatic
documents, particularly those relating to important international problems,
are made public. Until recently diplomatic practice distinguished the
following five forms of written official communications:
1) personal notes,
2) verbal notes (notes verbales);
3) aides- memoire;
4) memorandum and
5) semi-official letters.
A personal note takes the form of a letter drawn up in the first person
on behalf of its signatory. It begins with a salutation and ends with a
complimentary phrase, that is, a standard expression of polite respect.
A verbal note is considered to be the most commonly used form of
diplomatic communication. It is drawn up in the third person and is not
usually signed. It begins and ends with standard formulas of courtesy. Some
handbooks on diplomatic practice, notably the fundamental book by Ernest
22
ABC of Diplomacy
Satow, do not name personal notes as an independent form of diplomatic
communication, but simply refer to ‚notes‛. It is, however, stipulated that a
note may be either in the first or in the third person. In diplomatic practice it
is now common to distinguish between personal notes and verbal notes, the
former being a note drawn up in the first person and signed, and the latter
being drawn up in the third person and either initialed or left unsigned. Until
fairly recently the choice of the form of a note, signed or unsigned, was
regarded as a definite indication of the state of relations between the
countries concerned. Nowadays verbal notes have
become part and parcel of the international intercourse, and no one would
now regard a verbal note sent to an embassy as a display of any ill will.
The aide-memoire. Diplomatic practice knows two types of aides-
memoire: (a) handed over personally and (b) delivered by a courier. The
purpose of transmitting an aide-memoire is to facilitate the further progress
of a transaction and to prevent the subject of a personal conversation or an
oral statement from being misinterpreted or misunderstood.
A memorandum may be a separate and independent document or it
may be appended to a personal note or a verbal note. In the latter case the
memorandum elaborates and justifies the subject matter dealt with in the
note. The distinguishing feature of a memorandum is a detailed exposition of
the factual or legal aspects of a particular question.
In describing the memorandum, Ernest Satow notes that this form of
diplomatic document is often a detailed statement of facts, and of arguments
based thereon, not differing essentially from a note, except that it does not
begin or end with a formula of courtesy, and need not be signed, but it may
be convenient to accompany it with a short covering note. In earlier times
these were often termed deduction or expose de motifs.
Semi-official, or informal, letters are sent to officials, with whom one is
acquainted, in cases involving personal favours (thanks for an invitation, a
request for assistance) or relating to administrative matters.
Most forms of diplomatic documents contain the following components, or
elements:
 protocol formulas;
23
ABC of Diplomacy
 purport;
 argumentation;
 exposition of the fact or facts.
Included under the heading of ‚protocol formulas‛ are the proper titling
of the person addressed, an expression of respect for the addressee at the
beginning and the complimentary phrase which concludes the document.
Protocol formulas are used in personal messages of heads of government or
state, personal notes, verbal notes, and aides-memoire delivered by a courier
(the latter form has almost completely gone out of use). Other forms of
diplomatic documents contain no protocol formulas.
As the name itself suggests the purport is the principal part of a
diplomatic document. In extent it may be very short as compared with the
other parts. Yet it is the purport that carries the main idea of the document
and is, in fact, a concentrated expression of a state’s position on the main
issue under discussion. To point out the purport correctly means to correctly
grasp the meaning of a diplomatic document.
By their content diplomatic documents, whatever their form (notes,

declarations, aides-memoire, etc.), may be classified as follows:
a) documents containing proposals;
b) documents registering a protest;
c) documents warning of possible measures of retaliation;
d) documents establishing a political or international legal position in
respect of an act committed by another state or states or in respect of an
international event;
e) documents announcing measures contemplated or implemented, which
are of international significance;
f) documents recording an agreement or a degree of accord.
Naturally, this classification is in some respect conditional, since in

practice any diplomatic document may combine several of the above-
24
ABC of Diplomacy
mentioned characteristics. Even in that case, however, one of the meanings
seems to be predominant.
It is customary in diplomatic correspondence to observe the rules of tact
and politeness, to avoid harsh expressions wounding to the dignity of the
country to which a diplomatic document is addressed.
Vocabulary notes:
contain содержать
purport суть, смысл, подразумевать
to wound (1) ранить, наносить рану, (2) обижать.
virtue (1) добродетель (2) достоинство,
преимущество (3) свойство, основание, by
virtue of – благодаря, (4) челомудрие.
retaliation ответный удар, ответная атака; massive
retaliation – массированный ответный удар.
first person position signed signatory

appeal transmitting third person published
1. Diplomatic documents express the __________ of a state on a particular

question of international affairs.
2. A large number of diplomatic documents are never _________ owing to
the insignificance of their subject matter.
3. A personal note takes the form of a letter drawn up in the _________ on
behalf of its ___________.
25
ABC of Diplomacy
4. The verbal note is drawn up in the third person and is not usually
__________.
5. The purpose of ___________ an aide-memoire is to facilitate the further
progress of a transaction and to prevent the subject of a personal
conversation or an oral statement from being misinterpreted or
misunderstood.
1. _____ An important aspect of diplomatic work is the drafting of

diplomatic documents.
2. _____ Diplomatic documents express the gratitude of any state to
another one.
3. _____ There are 5 mostly used forms of written communications in
diplomatic practice.
4. _____ A personal note begins with complimentary statement and there
is an appeal at the end of text.
5. _____ The main feature of a memorandum is a detailed exposition of
the factual or legal aspects of a particular question.
Comprehension: Multiple Choice

C Put a circle around the letter of the right answer
1. Diplomatic documents express the __________ of a state on a

particular question of international affairs.
a) gratitude;
b) position;
26
ABC of Diplomacy
c) readiness;
d) willingness;
2. A large number of diplomatic documents are never _________ owing

to the insignificance of their subject matter.
a) published;
b) translated;
c) submitted;
d) transformed;
3. A personal note takes the form of a letter drawn up in the _________

on behalf of its signatory.
a) third person;
b) first person;
c) doesn’t illustrate the position;
d) not given;
4. The verbal note is drawn up in the third person and is not usually
__________.
a) translated;
b) transmitted;
c) signed;
d) demonstrated the position of the state;
5. The purpose of ___________ an aide-memoire is to facilitate the

further progress of a transaction and to prevent the subject of a
personal conversation or an oral statement from being misinterpreted
or misunderstood.
a) writing
b) drawing;
c) transmitting;
d) engaging;
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ABC of Diplomacy
D Comprehension questions:
1. How do you understand the word ‚communication‛?

2. What are the main features of writing personal letter?
3. How many components does the semi-official letter contain?
4. What is the main purpose of memorandum?
5. What kind of diplomatic document do you use in order to facilitate,
accelerate and remind the progress of any agreement to your
counterpart?
LESSON V. CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN FOREIGN MISSIONS

AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Regulations, which differ from one country to another, prescribe the

forms of official correspondence that may be exchanged between diplomatic
missions and national authorities and of personal correspondence between
diplomats and the same authorities.
It is the responsibility of the head of each mission to decide what forms
of correspondence his mission shall use in dealing with the authorities of the
country where he exercises his functions. He will be guided by local protocol
and custom. In general, correspondence is replied to in the same form as that
used by the correspondent.
The general term ‚note‛ covers traditionally all formal correspondence
exchanged between diplomatic missions and the governments of the
countries where they are situated. Notes can be in the first or third person
form, formal or informal.
In the same capital, diplomatic missions often employ different
practices. Some heads of mission sign all formal correspondence (notes, notes
28
ABC of Diplomacy
verbales, aides-memoire) and affix the official seal there to, while others
merely initial them. Affixing the seal of the mission is not generally practiced.
British diplomatic missions use only two kinds of formal notes: ‚the
first person‛ note, and the ‚third person‛ note, with a preference for the
former since the impersonal note is often considered to be not sufficiently
flexible. The ‚first person‛ note begins with: Your Excellency (Sir) and ends
with the usual courtesy ending:
I have the honor... etc. and the signature. The other kind of note uses the
following form: Her Majesty’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (or The British
Ambassador, as the case may be), presents his compliments to... and has the
honour... etc.
There is no courtesy ending. The only other form of formal
communication used is the aide-memoire or memorandum, which is a
written statement handed over in the course of a personal discussion with the
aim of recording, for the convenience of the other party, the details of a
possibly complicated matter.
In the American diplomatic service the custom is to use, under the
name of diplomatic correspondence, first person, third person, formal or
informal style form. The different types of notes are distinguished by the
form of salutation and the complimentary close currently used, and by the
style of the signature.
Verbal notes, in the third form, are prepared in the name of the
Secretary of State and initialed.
Initialed memoranda are prepared in the name of the Department of
State. Aides-memoire, as well as pro-memoria, the object of which is to record
a matter discussed, either formal or informal, are initialed. Third person notes
are dated and initialed and do not give the address of the recipient.
Vocabulary notes:
affix прикреплять, affix a seal –
приложить пешать
convenience удобство, convenient foods -
полуфабрикаты
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ABC of Diplomacy
prescribe предписывать, рекомендовать
merely только, просто
A Choose a word from the list below to fill the personal note:
accreditation assurances inform honor

presented great respect assure credence
Embassy of the United States of America
Bishkek, April 12, 2016

Excellency: (Name)
I have the ________ to _______ you that I have today _______ to His
Excellency, The Most Honorable (Name), the President of the Kyrgyz
Republic, the Letters of __________ accrediting me as Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the
Kyrgyz Republic.
I take this opportunity to _______ you of my desire to maintain and
strengthen the excellent relations, both official and personal, which already
exist between our two countries and our two missions.
Please accept, Excellency, the __________ of my highest consideration.
(Signature)
His Excellency
<<<<<<<
Ambassador of the Russian
Federation
Bishkek
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ABC of Diplomacy
1. _____ Diplomatic documents might be exchanged between the foreign
missions and state authorities.
2. _____ It is not the obligation of the head of each mission to decide what
forms of correspondence his mission shall use in receiving state.
3. _____ British diplomatic missions do not affix a seal at the end of the
verbal note.
4. _____ Aide-memoire and memorandum are handed over with the aim
of recording, for the convenience of the other party, the details of a
possibly complicated matter.
5. _____ Verbal notes are prepared in the name of the President of USA
and initialed in American diplomatic practice.
C Accordance tests with commonly used diplomatic terms
1. Match English words with Russian and Tajik
A diplomatic mission 1. налаживание сотруднишества

(ба роњ мондани хамкорк)
B multilateral relations 2. Межрегиональное

сотруднишество (цамкории
байниминтақавк)
C interregional cooperation 3. Дипломатишеское

представительство
31
ABC of Diplomacy
(намояндагии дипломатк)
D intergovernmental commissions 4. Многосторонние отношения

(муносибатњои бисжрщониба)
5. Межправительственная
комиссия (комиссияи
байнињукуматк)
2. Match English words with Russian and Tajik
A Treaty of Eternal Friendship 1. Офичиальный и рабоший

визит (боздиди расмк ва корк)
B official and working visit 2. Установление экономишеских

отношений (барќарорсозии
робитањои иќтисодк)
C long term agreements 3. Договор о вешной дружбе

(Ацднома дар бораи дӯстии
абадк)
D establishment of mutually 4. твердая основа (заминаи

beneficial economic ties мустањкам)
5. Долгосрошные контракты
(шартномацои дарозмуддат)
1. Who should use the diplomatic documents between foreign missions

and state authorities?
32
ABC of Diplomacy
2. What kind of rules does any diplomatic mission should follow in
writing notes in receiving state?
3. Perform a personal letter according to the situation below:
Your country has worked closely with the government of Russia to
combat drug smuggling. In the past year you have seized 10,000 tons of
heroins in joint exercises. You wish to congratulate your partner for
your collaboration. You also want to remind Russia that the problem is
not over. You would also like to suggest a meeting to explore ways to
make this cooperation longer lasting.
4. Perform a personal letter according to the situation below:
China: You must write aides-memoire to the Embassy of People’s
Democratic Republic of Korea concerning recently signed
intergovernmental agreement about not using nuclear weapons in the
border territories of China in order to remind North Korean Government.
LESSON VI. USE OF LANGUAGE IN DIPLOMACY
An old and funny catchphrase says that one should use many
languages to be properly understood: speaking to God, Latin; to the military,
German; to the merchants, Greek and Arabic; to the musicians, Italian; to his
cook, Chinese; to the sailors and engineers, English; to the artists, Russian; to
friends, Spanish; to enemies Dutch or Hungarian; to his girl-friend, French; to
his wife, Japanese<
What languages should one use when speaking to diplomats, or what
language should diplomats use? Or, to be more precise, what
language/languages should a young diplomat try to learn to be more
successful in his profession?
The term ‚language in diplomacy‛ obviously can be interpreted in
several ways. First, as tongue, the speech ‚used by one nation, tribe, or other
similar large group of people‛; in this sense we can say, for example, that
French used to be the predominant diplomatic language in the first half of the
33
ABC of Diplomacy
20th century. Second, as a special way of expressing the subtle needs of the
diplomatic profession; in this way it can be said, for example, that the
delegate of one country spoke of the given subject in totally non-diplomatic
language. Also, the term can refer to the particular form, style, manner or
tone of expression; such as the minister formulated his conditions in
unusually strong language. It may mean as well the verbal or non-verbal
expression of the thoughts or feelings: sending the gunships is a language
that everybody understands.
All of these meanings and probably several others can be utilized in
both oral and written practice. In any of these senses, the use of language in
diplomacy is of major importance, since language is not a simple tool, vehicle
for transmission of thoughts, or instrument of communication, but very often
the very essence of the diplomatic vocation and that has been so from the
early beginnings of this profession. That is why from early times the first
envoys of the Egyptian pharaohs, Roman legates, mediaeval Dubrovnik
consuls, etc., had to be educated and trained people, well-spoken and
polyglots.
So, which language is the diplomatic one? The answer is not simple at
all. To start with, there is no single diplomatic language that could be
inscribed in the above-mentioned catchphrase. Let’s take a very precise
example; the linguistic requirements of counselor in the embassy of a small
European country in Vienna. Obviously, his/her first need is a good
knowledge of German, particularly if his professional activity is oriented
towards business circles, press, consular work or cultural life.
Let’s suppose one diplomat who is working in Vienna and is well-
trained, experienced, speaking several languages more or less fluently. Which
language out of his repertoire should he use in a particular situation?
Obviously, the answer is the language he can speak best. It is logical choice,
of course, but professionally not always the wisest one. There are some
tactics, even politics, involved in making that decision. Sometimes it might be
reasonable to use a language which one speaks less perfectly in order to
avoid the maternal tongue of the interlocutor and put him on a more
equitable foot, or to avoid a language which might have an undesirable
34
ABC of Diplomacy
political connotation; or to make a gesture of goodwill, courtesy, or sign of
special respect for your partner in conversation or for his country. This is
very often done by statesmen arriving on an official visit to a foreign country
or by delegates at international conferences saluting the chairman and paying
tribute to the host country, when even a few words pronounced in the local
language may break the ice and create positive atmosphere.
Vocabulary notes:
catchphrase 1.)решевой оборот, шаблонная фраза,

2.)многократно используемое фраза
to utilize употреблять, использовать, утилизировать
gunships штурмовик, штурмовать
essence сущность
equitable справедливый, объективный
interlocutor собеседник
connotation утешение, утешить
gesture 1.) жест, телодвижение, habitual gesture-
привышный жест, 2.)поступок, действие,
3.)жестикулировать, указывать направление
движения.
goodwill доброжелательность, добрая воля
tribute дань, отдавать должное (кому-л)
predominant преобладающий, господствующий
mediaeval средневековый
verbal predominant tool maternal

manner expression non-verbal interlocutor
35
ABC of Diplomacy
1. The French language used to be the _____________ diplomatic language

in the first half of the 20th century.
2. Minister formulated diplomatic language can be _________ or
_________ expression of thoughts or feelings.
3. Language is not a simple ________, vehicle for transmission of
thoughts, or instrument of communication.
4. The term of ‚diplomatic language‛ can refer to the particular form,
style, ________ or tone of _____________.
5. Sometimes it might be reasonable to use a language which one speaks
less perfectly in order to avoid the ________ tongue of the ___________
and put him on a more equitable foot, or to avoid a language which
might have an undesirable political connotation.
1. _______ The French language used to be the predominant diplomatic

language in the first half of the 20th century.
2. _______ The linguistic requirements of counselor in the embassy of a
small European country in Vienna is a good knowledge of English,
French and Chinese.
3. _______ From early times the first envoys of the Egyptian pharaohs,
Roman legates, mediaeval Dubrovnik consuls.
4. _______ High qualified professionals can also use several tactics when
they make special decisions during discussions.
5. _______ The term ‚language in diplomacy‛ obviously can be
interpreted as tongue, the speech ‚used by one nation, tribe, or other
similar large group of people‛.
36
ABC of Diplomacy
Comprehension questions:
C
1. What languages should we use when speaking to diplomats?
2. How do you interpret the term ‚language in diplomacy‛?
3. What are the main language requirements for the diplomats?
4. What languages should the diplomat speak while working in Vienna?
5. What languages have you to speak when you work in Asian-Pacific
Department of Ministry of foreign affairs?
LESSON VII. THE USE OF LANGUAGE IN WRITTEN DIPLOMATIC

COMMUNICATIONS
Generally speaking, it is based upon one of the fundamental principles

of contemporary international law – the principle of sovereign equality of
states. In application of this principle to the linguistic ground there are
several formulas – each implemented in a symmetric way: a.) each side writes
its communication notes in its own language; b.) each side writes in the
language of the other side; c.) the correspondence in each country is
conducted in the local language; d.) both sides use a third, mutually agreed
language. Again, each of these formulas has its advantages, but also its
deficiencies.
Communication in multilateral diplomacy, of course, is even more
complicated, inadequate and costly. Various international organizations and
numerous diplomatic conferences try more or less successfully to solve the
linguistic problem by reducing the innumerable possibilities of
intercommunication to a relatively small number of selected languages – so
called official or working.
Oral communication is the quintessence of personal contact, which in
turn remains the very substance, even the raison d’etre of diplomatic work.
37
ABC of Diplomacy
Written communications, telegraph, telephone, fax and recently various
interactive IT systems are undoubtedly extremely useful and often much
faster and more efficient that personal contacts, but they can not and
probably for a long time shall not be able to substitute for a friendly,
confidential chat over a cup of coffee.
The choice of the right words is extremely important in diplomacy.
Through the centuries a very carefully balanced, restrained, moderate
vocabulary has been developed, ensuring a particular way of refined control
over nuances in the meaning of words – both when agreeing with one’s
interlocutor (but taking care not to give the impression of undue enthusiasm)
as well as in rejecting his views.
There are many other aspects – both linguistic or semantic and
metaphoric of the use of language in diplomacy. Too many, actually for a
relatively short lecture – ‚ars longa, vita brevis!‛ which means ‚art is huge
and life is short.
In conclusion, it can be said that all of the aforementioned elements
serve the purpose of maximizing the effect of spoken or written text in
diplomatic practice, better transmitting a message, achieving more
convincing results, ‚talking the interlocutor in‛, convincing him or
dissuading him. Professional diplomat must always work hard on his
language and other major-demanding skills in order to better explain and
achieve goals – both in bilateral and multilateral relations.
Vocabulary notes:
inadequate неполноченный, недостатошный,

неудовлетворительный, неспособный
innumerable бесшисленный, бессшжтный
raison d’etre франчузское словосошетание, ознашающее

смысл, смысл существования, разумное
основание существования.
38
ABC of Diplomacy
undoubtedly несомненно, безусловно
to restrain сдерживать, удерживать, огранишивать
undue неуместный, несовременный, излишний,

шрезмерный
dissuading разубеждение, отговаривать
refined communication second interlocutor

quintessence local intercommunication innumerable
1. ______________ in multilateral diplomacy, of course, is even more

complicated, inadequate and costly.
2. International organizations try more or less successfully to solve the
linguistic problem by reducing the ___________ possibilities of
___________________ to a relatively small number of selected languages
– so called official or working.
3. Oral communication is the ____________ of personal contact.
4. Through the centuries a very carefully balanced, restrained, moderate
vocabulary has been developed, ensuring a particular way of ________
control over nuances in the meaning of words – both when agreeing
with one’s _____________.
5. The correspondence in each country is conducted in the _______
language.
Comprehension check: True/False/Not Given.

B
39
ABC of Diplomacy
1. _______ The third, mutually agreed language is used in multilateral
diplomacy.
2. ______ The choice of the right words is less important in diplomacy.
3. ______ ‚ars longa, vita brevis!‛ means ‚art is huge and life is short‛.
4. _______ In practice, each side writes its communication notes in English
language.
5. ______ The correspondence in each country is conducted in the local
language.
Comprehension questions:
C
1. How do you understand the use of language in written diplomatic
communications?
2. What is the meaning of ‚bilateral diplomacy‛?
3. What is the meaning of ‚multilateral diplomacy‛?
4. How should the diplomat arrange personal contact with other
diplomats of receiving state?
5. What should the professional diplomat do in order to be more
successful in his career?
40
ABC of Diplomacy
LESSON VIII. SAMPLE OF VERBAL AND PERSONAL NOTES, JOINT

COMMUNIQUE, AIDE MEMOIURE, MEMORUNDUM AND JOINT
DECLARATION
1. VERBAL NOTES
A verbal note is a formal note written in the third person. This form is
always used in replying to an incoming verbal note; an incoming letter is
answered by a letter. Verbal notes may be addressed to a permanent
representative (or an observer) or a permanent mission, a minister for foreign
affairs or a ministry of foreign affairs. Where direct correspondence with any
other government officer or office has been authorized, it must be in letter
form. The verbal note is not normally used for communications with other
organizations in the United Nations system, and should never be used for
communications with non-governmental organizations or the public. Typical
uses of verbal notes include the exchange of information between the United
Nations and Governments or permanent missions, the transmission of
decisions or recommendations of United Nations organs, requests for and
acknowledgements of information and documents, the transmission of
information regarding the time and place of meetings, acknowledgements of
changes in the membership of permanent missions or delegations and other
requests or acknowledgements to Governments relating to the substantive
work of the United Nations.
A verbal note contains no complimentary closing. Its salutation forms
part of the opening sentence of the text and begins with the regular
paragraphing. In selecting the form of the salutation, it is important to note
the following instructions:
A verbal note may be written in the name of the Secretary- General or
of the Secretariat, but not in the name of a department or of an official of the
Secretariat. When a verbal note is sent in the name of the Secretary-General, it
is addressed to a person, e.g.: “The Secretary General of the United Nations
presents his compliments to the Permanent Representative of ... to the United
Nations and has the honor to …” When a verbal note is sent in the name of the
41
ABC of Diplomacy
Secretariat, it is addressed to an office, not a person, e. g.: ‚The Secretariat of
the United Nations presents its compliments to the Permanent Mission of ...
to the United Nations and has the honour to ...‛
A verbal note in reply to one addressed to the Secretary-General should
always be sent in the name of the Secretary-General. Thus, if a verbal note
from a permanent mission is addressed to the Secretary-General, the reply
will be sent in the name of the Secretary-General to the Permanent
Representative, e. g.: ‚The Secretary-General of the United Nations presents
his compliments to the Permanent Representative of ... to the United Nations
and has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the
Permanent Missions note <‛
A verbal note in reply to a verbal note from a minister for foreign affairs
or permanent representative should be sent in the name of the Secretary-
General whether the incoming note is addressed to the Secretary-General, to
a subordinate official, to the Secretariat or to a department.
A verbal note forwarding a communication at the request of a Member
of the United Nations or its permanent mission should be in the following
form only: ‚The enclosed communication dated ... is transmitted to the
permanent missions of the States Members of the United Nations at the
request of <‛ On verbal notes the date should appear on the right-hand side
of the last page, two to six lines below the last line of the text, depending on
the length of the note.
A verbal note contains no signature; instead it should be initialed under
the date by the officer responsible for its dispatch. The address does not
appear on a verbal note but should be typed on the accompanying envelope.
The general term ‚note‛ covers traditionally all formal correspondence
exchanged between diplomatic missions and the governments of the
countries where they are situated.
Notes can be: verbal, personal and circular. The expression "note verbal”
means ‚paper/document which should be given careful consideration‛.
Verbal notes are the most commonly used documents in diplomatic
communications. The text is in the third person and is not signed. It is apt to
be somewhat stiff in tone.
42
ABC of Diplomacy
As a rule Verbal Notes open and close with specific compliments.
Opening compliment
English: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan presents its
compliments to the Embassy of United States of America and has the honor to
inform...
Russian: Министерство Иностранных Дел Республики Таджикистан
свидетельствует свое уважение Посольству Соединжнных Штатов Америки
имеет честь сообщить...
Closing compliment
English: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan avails itself of
this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of United States of America the assurances
of its highest consideration.
Russian: Министерство Иностранных Дел Республики Таджикистан
пользуется настоящим случаем, чтобы возобновить Посольству
Соединжнных Штатов Америки уверения в своем высоком уважении.
43
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Exhibit 1
Canadian Embassy Ambassade du Canada
Note No. 0155/97
The Embassy of Canada presents its compliments to the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and has the honor to inform the
Ministry that Ambassador Anne Leahy will depart Moscow on Sunday,
March 23, 1997 and will return on Tuesday, March 25, 1997.
During the absence of the Ambassador from the Russian Federation, Mr
John Di Gandi, Minister - Counsellor (Political) will be Charge d'Affaires.
The Embassy of Canada avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation the Assurances of its
highest consideration.
(Seal of the Embassy)

MOSCOW
March 21, 19
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Exhibit 2
САФОРАТИ ЉУМЊУРИИ EMBASSY OF THE

ТОЉИКИСТОН REPUBLIC OF
TAJIKISTAN
ДАР ЉУМЊУРИИ
ОЗАРБОЙЉОН TO THE REPUBLIC OF
AZERBAIJAN
Baglar 2 street, B-20 Badamdar district, Baku Azerbaijan.

Tel:(+994)125021432, Fax:(+994)125021432
№ 31 - 30/106 H
The Embassy the Republic of Tajikistan presents its compliments to the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and has the honour
to inform the Ministry that Ambassador Mr. ___________________ will depart
Baku on Sunday, September 24, 2016 and will return on Tuesday, September
27, 2016.
During the absence of the Ambassador from the Republic of Azerbaijan,
Mr. _______________, Minister-Counselor (Political) will be Charge
d'Affaires.
The Embassy of Tajikistan avails itself of this opportunity to renew to
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan the assurances
of its highest consideration.
BAKU,
September 20, 2016
(Round seal)
To the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

of the Republic of Azerbaijan
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KEY TERMS FOR COURTESIES
 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments<and has the
honor to<
 I have the honor to transmit<
 I have the honor to refer to<
 We have the honor to refer to<
 We have the honor to enclose<
 The Government finds it necessary to enclose<
 We have the honor to reproduce<
 The Government of Tajikistan presents its compliments to<., and with
reference to <, have the honor to reproduce (bring to your
attention/enclose/refer/protest/acknowledge/to forward)
 Please arrange for this communication to be circulated.
Exercise:
1) The Government of Tajikistan has signed a trade agreement with India.
The agreement calls for the elimination of tariffs on wood and cotton
products. The Government of Tajikistan would like to extend the
agreement to include other products, like cars and food products.
2) Your country has worked closely with the government of Russia to
combat drug trafficking. In the past year you have seized 10,000 tons of
heroines in joint exercises. You wish to congratulate your partner for
your collaboration. You also want to remind Russia that the problem is
not over. You would also like to suggest a meeting to explore ways to
make this cooperation longer.
3) The Republic of Kazakhstan has appointed a new Minister of Foreign
Affairs. You are the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
Tajikistan to Astana and you would like to congratulate him. You also
wish to remind him of the close relations between your two countries.
You also wish to meet soon to discuss bilateral relations.
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3. PERSONAL NOTE
A written communication between states understood to speak for and on
behalf of government signed by its duly designated representatives. This
form is preferred when it contains matters of great importance or when a
more personal tone is desired. It is signed by the foreign minister or
diplomatic envoy of the sending state and is addressed to the diplomatic
envoy or foreign minister of the receiving state.
Personal Notes open with salutation. The text of Personal notes is written
in the first person. Notes are normally written in the language of the sender.
If, however, a mission prefers to use another language, the general custom is
that it should be English or French. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will, in
any case, reply in its own language unless another language has been agreed
upon.
Exhibit 3
New Zealand Embassy
№11-19/H109 MOSCOW
9 October, 2010
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that I am leaving Moscow today upon the
termination of my mission as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
New Zealand to the Russian Federation.
Until the arrival of my successor, Mr. Trevor Hughes, Counselor, will be in
charge of the Embassy in the capacity of Charge d'Affaires a.i.
I should like to take this opportunity to express to Your Excellency my
sincere appreciation of the friendly relations, both official and personal, which exist
between our two countries and missions.
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.
(Signed)
Gerald McGhie
Ambassador
The Charge d'Affaires a.i.
Embassy of Bulgaria
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Exhibit 4
ВАЗОРАТИ КОРҲОИ MINISTRY OF FOREIGN

ХОРИҶИИ ҶУМҲУРИИ AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC
ТОҶИКИСТОН OF TAJIKISTAN
№ 31 - 30/106 H Dushanbe, December 23, 2016
Your Imperial Majesty,
On behalf of the people of Tajikistan and on my own behalf, I would like

to extend sincere congratulations on your birthday and Japan’s national
holiday. I wish Your Imperial Majesty and the Imperial Family happiness,
continued health and many moments of joy, and I send my best wishes for
the peace, harmony and well-being your country and its people.
I would also like to take the opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year,
hoping strongly that it will be prosperous and fulfilling. I am confident that
bilateral cooperation as well as political, economic and cultural ties between
the Republic of Tajikistan and Japan will be further developed, bringing our
two countries and their people even closer together.
Please accept, Your Imperial Majesty, the assurances of my highest
consideration.
/Signature/
To /full name of the Emperor/,

Emperor of Japan
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Exercise
TEAM 1. Your government (Government of Tajikistan) is congratulating the
Government of Armenia on the occasion of Parliamentary election. Please
perform the personal note from your Prime-Minister to the address of Prime-
Minister of the Republic of Armenia.
TEAM 2. Your government (Government of Armenia) has already received
the personal note of Prime-Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan and wants to
respond to that note. Your Prime-Minister would like enhance contemporary
situation of bilateral cooperation in the terms of economy and trade and
wants to conduct Tajik-Armenian Business Forum in near future. Perform
personal note from the name of your Prime-Minister to the address of Prime-
Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Exhibit 5
JOINT COMMUNIQUE
The Republic of Venezuela and the Kingdom of Nepal, desirous of

strengthening the ties of friendship and with the purpose of bringing together
effectively their respective peoples, have agreed to establish diplomatic relations as
of this date.
The Governments of both countries are convinced that the establishment of
diplomatic relations will further enhance co-operation between the two countries
based on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
New York, April 27th, 20...
For the Government of Venezuela For His Majesty's Government

of Nepal
(Signed) Anders Aquilar M
(Signed) Jai Pratap Rana
Ambassador Extraordinary and Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary Plenipotentiary
Permanent Representative of Permanent Representative of
Venezuela to the United Nations Nepal to the United Nations
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3. JOINT COMMUNIQUE
Communiqué is a specific form of a diplomatic document. This is a

French term which is used to indicate an official announcement by two or
more sides.
4. AIDES-MEMOIRE
The ‚aide-memoire‛ is a form of diplomatic document the main object

of which is to remind the addressee of a matter discussed, either formally or
informally. The word ‚aide-memoire‛ is of French origin and means literally
‚memory-helper‛.
As a rule, this document is presented during a talk with the intention of
drawing the attention of the counterpart to what has been said, to the
importance of the question raised, and, in some cases, to emphasize that the
person who presents the papers expects certain measures to be taken on the
part of the receiver. Like notes, an aide-memoire may touch upon substantial
issues, though it happens quite rarely. More often, it concerns everyday
practical matters. Aide-memoire are never signed, but are sometimes
initialed.
KEY NOTES:
 An aide‐memoire summarizes an informal diplomatic interview or

conversation and serves as an aid to memory. It does not begin with a
courtesy phrase, but must clearly state in the first two lines the title of
the ambassador or foreign official to whom it is addressed.
 When an aide‐memoire is prepared it is not signed, but initialed in the
lower right corner of the last page of text. An officer usually hands an
aide‐memoire to the ambassador (or representative). It may also be sent
through regular mail channels.
 At post, the chief of mission (or representative) may hand the note to
the foreign official or leave it at the foreign office. An officer authorized
50
ABC of Diplomacy
by the chief of mission must initial the note in the lower right corner of
the last page.
Exhibit 6
AIDES- MEMOIRE
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan has

purposed to inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Uzbekistan about newly signed Agreement on delimitation and demarcation
of the territories of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan
from October 25, 2016.
The Government of the Republic Tajikistan has already performed a
plan of implementation of that Agreement and sent it to the Ministry of
Foreign of Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic Tajikistan reminds the
Ministry of Foreign of Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan about sending a
plan of implementation of that Agreement from Uzbekistan’s side.
Dushanbe city,
October 12, 2016
5. MEMORANDUM
Memorandum (memoranda or memorandums) is a less frequently used

form of a diplomatic document, and it is used mostly to record facts,
decisions or opinions. Usually a memorandum describes the factual or legal
aspect of a major problem, especially something to be done or acted upon in
future. Each memorandum normally deals with one subject only.
The memorandum may contain a substantial background on the
historical roots of a problem and its development, on the position of the sides,
the argumentation and the proposals of the sender. As compared to notes, the
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ABC of Diplomacy
memorandums have neither address nor concluding compliments. This is
often a detailed statement of facts, and of arguments based thereon, record of
an agreement that has been reached but not yet formally drawn up.
It does not differ essentially, from a note, except that it does not begin
and end with a formula of courtesy, need not be signed, but it may be
convenient to deliver it by means of a short covering note.
KEY NOTES:
 A Memorandum is a detailed statement of facts and related arguments.

It is like a note, but more loose and free. It has no opening or closing
formalities, and it doesn’t need to be signed. It may have a security
classification.
 It is often delivered with a cover letter.
 A common use of a memorandum is to support a claim, or establish a
case.
 Memorandums also explain policy options.
 Memos can also be used to make proposals.
 Memoranda are often used in connection with treaties. Memos are used
to present a particular interpretation of a clause or section of an
agreement.
Exhibit 7
Memorandum between the Republic of Tajikistan
and the Republic of Uzbekistan
June 10, 2016
1) The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan received the official note

of the Prime-Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan on May 20, 2015 in terms
of building of Rogun Hydro Power Station and fully understands the anxiety
of the Government of Uzbekistan about irrigation problems in the border
regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
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ABC of Diplomacy
2) The Government of Tajikistan respects the interests of the Republic of
Uzbekistan and two parts understand the historical destiny which has
pushed a part of these ancient people out of the plains and has thrown them
into the mountains. The mountains have become their dwelling place, and
this has compelled them to create a new state formation in sharply different
geographical conditions. Moreover, the 65% of water resources of Central
Asian region are situated in the territory of the Republic Tajikistan. It shows
the big potential of Tajikistan in building hydro power station by respecting
the demands of other countries in the region.
3) The Government of Republic of Tajikistan suggested to the Government
of the Uzbekistan to work on water supply from Badakshan Autonomous
region (Sarez lake) to the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
4) The Governments of two countries discussed this issue during the
International High level Conference on the implementation of world decade
action ‚Water for life‛ for 2005-2015, which was held on June 9-11, 2015 in
Dushanbe and agreed to create Government Commission and arrange
meetings from September 25, 2015 to July 15, 2016.
Signed on June 10th, 2016 in Dushanbe in two languages, Russian and

English.
For the Republic of Tajikistan, For the Republic of Uzbekistan,
Kohir Rasulzoda, Abdullo Oripov,

the Prime-Minister of the the Prime-Minister of the
Republic of Tajikistan Republic of Uzbekistan
Exercise
TEAM 1: There have been Taliban attacks near to your border with
Afghanistan. Your government is worried that authorities in Kabul are not
doing enough to protect the frontier. You write a memo to the government in
Kabul suggesting ways they can improve border security.
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ABC of Diplomacy
TEAM 2: You are negotiating a trade arrangement with Kazakhstan. In
exchange for sending more electricity to that country at a reasonable rate, you
would like the government of Kazakhstan to fly fewer of its own flights to
Dushanbe and grant Tajik airlines more flights to that country. The deal will
last one year and then will be revisited.
Exhibit 8
JOINT DECLARATION
Joint Declaration of the SCO member states and Islamic Republic of Iran
on Comprehensive Economic Partnership
WE, Heads of States/Governments of Russian Federation, People’s Republic

of China, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan,
Republic of Uzbekistan and Islamic Republic of Iran, gathered today for the
SCO-Iran Summit,
Recalling the Initiative proposed by the President of Islamic Republic of Iran

Hasan Rukhani in January , 2015 for SCO-Iran Comprehensive Economic
Partnership to strengthen economic ties of SCO member states and Iran;
Acknowledging that the economic partnership between SCO and Iran has
been expanding and cover wide range of areas;
Recognizing that the rapid progress of regional economic integration in the

other parts of the world, particularly in Southeast Asia and Europe, has been
contributing to promote liberalization of the world trade and stimulate
dynamism in the region;
HEREBY DECLARE:
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ABC of Diplomacy
1. We underlined the desirability for this region to seek such economic
integration through the creation of economic partnership and linkages.
2. We viewed that a comprehensive economic partnership between SCO

and Iran would provide greater market opportunities to their
economies, through the creation of larger and new markets and
enabling the industries to enjoy bigger economies scale, and this
partnership would bring the region economic stability and prosperity.
3. We endorsed the approach that, while considering a framework for the

realization of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership between SCO
and Iran as a whole, any SCO member state and Iran could initiate
works to build up a bilateral economic partnership.
4. We welcomed the efforts of our foreign and economic ministers in the

SCO-Iran comprehensive economic partnership commended the Expert
Group on SCO-Iran for their report.
5. From this viewpoint of above mentioned approach, we expressed

satisfaction with the progress of consultations between SCO member
states and Iran to explore bilateral economic partnership.
6. We noted that the SCO-Iran Comprehensive Economic Partnership

would expand trade. By the year 2020, the export value from SCO to
Iran would increase by $30.5 million. The expert value from Iran to SCO
member states would increase by $28.8 million.
7. We confirmed that the SCO-Iran Comprehensive Economic Partnership

should be consistent with the rules and disciplines of WTO.
8. Finally, we decided on the establishment of a Committee, consisting of

relevant senior officials of SCO and Iran responsible for sectors. We also
55
ABC of Diplomacy
instructed that the progress of the creation of bilateral economic
partnership should be reported to this Committee.
DONE in Shanghai, China on October 25th, Two Thousand and Sixteen, in

three copies in English, Russian and Chinese languages.
For Russian Federation
VLADIMIR VLADIMIROVICH PUTIN

President of Russian Federation
For People’s Republic of China
XI JINGPING
Chairman of People’s Republic of China
For Republic of Kazakhstan
NURSULTAN NAZARBAEV
President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
For Kyrgyz Republic
Almazbek Atambaev
President of the Kyrgyz Republic
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For Republic of Tajikistan
EMOMALI RAHMON
President of the Republic of Tajikistan
For Republic of Uzbekistan
Shavkat Mirziyoev
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
LESSON IX. TELEGRAMS, TELEXES, FAXES
Cable is a synonym for "telegram", hence the word cablegram. A telegram

transmitted by teletype is called a telex, or a telex message. Hence, the verb to
telex. Fax is short tor facsimile and is a method or device for electronically
transmitting printed material, drawings, etc. as by telephone, for
reproduction at a different place. And the material which is transmitted is
also called a fax and the verb is to fax.
1. Some Rules for Drafting Telegrams
• Telegrams are, as a rule, drafted concisely.

This is achieved by writing in the so-called telegraphese style typical of
lexical and grammatical specific features, for example: "PLANE ARRIVING
TOMORROW flight BA 17." Here the auxiliary verb "to be" is omitted. The
articles and prepositions are also left out. Another example: "ACCEPT YOUR
INVITATION TO CONFERENCE" = "I accept your invitation to participate in
the conference."
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(Though it must be born in mind that clarity should never be sacrificed to
brevity.)
• To avoid mistakes and misunderstandings, all words are spelt out, except
those that are abbreviated in normal correspondence. The words:
"confidential" and "urgent" usually precede the text.
• Punctuation in telegrams is kept to a minimum and omitted wherever
possible.
Some punctuation marks are always indicated in words, as follows:
; SEMICOLON & AND

QUOTE... UN- % PERCENT
QUOTE £ POUNDS
• NUMBER $ DOLLARS
• Other punctuation marks (as given below) are not indicated in words:
(full stop or period). Though sometimes abbreviations "st." or "stp." Are also
used. , (comma): (colon) ? (question mark) '(apostrophe) — (hyphen or dash) I
(fraction bar, slant or oblique) ( ) (parentheses)
• Telegrams are written in block letters and, as a rule; do not contain more
than 35 words.
• In telegrams complimentary beginnings and closings are as a rule not
used and are often substituted by the words: "please" and "kindly".
• Specific abbreviations which are widely used in telegrams are: ourlet =
our letter; yrlet = your letter; ourtel = our telegram; yrtel = your telegram; relet =
referring to letter; recable = referring to cable.
• Widely used are also such abbreviations as: ADV = advise; ARR =
arrive; CFM = confirm; asap = as soon as possible; DEP = departure; ETA =
estimated time of arrival; FL = flight; GRP = group; HTL = hotel; PLS = please;
REF = reference; RGDS = regards; TKS = thanks; TLX= telex;
VIA = route to be followed; YR = your; MSC = Moscow; NYC = New York City;
LON = London; DUB = Dublin; CBR = Canberra.
Examples:
58
ABC of Diplomacy
1. YRTLX MAY 21 RE MR BROWN RESERVATIONS CANCELLED (Your
telex of May 21 with reference to/concerning Mr. Brown's reservations
cancellation.)
2. PLS CABLE SOONEST ETA (Please cable as soon as possible estimated
time of arrival.)
3. RELET 21917 IVANOW ARRIVES TOMORROW FLIGHT 811 (With
reference to/concerning letter 21917 Ivanow arrives tomorrow on flight 811.)
4. REF YR 57 (Referring to your message 57.)
5. MSC 450 OFFER OF APPOINTMENT DISPATCHED
THIRTYONE DECEMBER STOP AWAITING DECISION
STEPANEC UNIDO
(Moscow, №450. Offer of appointment sent on December 31 is awaiting
decision Stepanec
UNIDO) (UNIDO = United Nations Industrial Development Organization.)
6.ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT YOUR REPORT STOP MANY THANKS STOP.
7. COMPLYING WITH YOUR REQUEST SENDING LATEST ISSUE OF
JOURNAL CONFIRM RECEIPT STOP.
8. ORGANIZING COMMITTEE INFORMS YOUR PARTICIPATION
AWAITING YOUR ARRIVAL TENTH SEPTEMBER STOP.
9. THANKS YR CABLE
2.COVERING LETTERS, COVERING NOTES

AND COVERING TELEGRAMS
A covering letter, note or a telegram accompany another message and serve
as a commendation or an explanation.
1. Covering Letters
Exhibit 1
Ambassador of Bangladesh Moscow
January 20, 19...
Excellency,
I have the honour to state that the following message addressed to His
Excellency Mr.Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation from His
59
ABC of Diplomacy
Excellency Professor Muhammad Shamsul Huq, Foreign Minister of the
People's Republic of Bangladesh has been received:
"His Excellency Mr. (name) Minister of foreign affairs of the Russian
Federation, Moscow.
Excellency,
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of
diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and your country marking an
important milestone in the history of bilateral relations and cooperation
between our two states, I wish to extend to your excellency, the people and
the government of the russian federation our warm felicitations.
I am confident that the friendly relations and cooperation between our
two countries and peoples will be further strengthened in the future years.
Please accept, excellency, my best wishes for your good health and
happiness and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly
people of the Russian federation.
Professor Muhammad Shamsul Huq

Foreign Minister
People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Dacca
(Signature)
(Name)
His Excellency Mr. (Name)
Head of South Asia Department,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Russian Federation,
Moscow
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LESSON X. DIPLOMATIC RANKS
One of the rules in protocol is the observance of the order of precedence

at all functions where officials of a government or its representatives are
present.
The recognition of the proper rank and precedence of an official is of
utmost importance both in written correspondence and in conversation.
Failure to do so may be regarded as an insult to the person’s position and the
country he/she represents. To avoid confusion and ensure that the person
receives his due respect, one should take into consideration that ranks, titles
and posts in the country of accreditation may vary from those in the sending
state.
The list of diplomatic titles and ranks
Ambassador – Посол
Ambassador appointed – дипломат высшего ранга, еще не
представивший верительные грамоты
Ambassador extraordinary – неаккредитованный представитель главы
государства
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary – Чрезвышайный и
Полномошный Посол
ambassador‐at‐large – посол по особым порушениям
ambassador‐designate – посол, назнашенный, но еще не вступивший в
должность
attaché – атташе; низший дипломатишеский ранг
career diplomat – профессиональный/карьерный дипломат
Chargé d’Affaires – поверенный в делах
chargé d’affaires ad interim – временный поверенный в делах
commercial attaché – торговый атташе
consul – консул
consul general – генеральный консул
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ABC of Diplomacy
counsellor (Am.E.: counselor) – советник
diplomat – дипломат
diplomatic agent – дипломатишеский представитель (агент)
diplomatic corps – дипломатишеский корпус
doyen – дуайен
emissary – эмиссар
envoy – дипломатишеский посланник/представитель
envoy extraordinary - шрезвышайный посланник
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary – Чрезвышайный
посланник и Полномошный министр (посол)
head of a consular mission – глава консульского ушреждения
head of a (diplomatic) mission – глава дипломатишеского
honorary consul – пошетный консул
представительства
internuncio – посланник Ватикана
legate – папский посол
military/service attaché – военный атташе
minister – 1. министр 2. посланник; советник посольства
minister plenipotentiary – полномошный министр
minister resident – министр‐резидент
naval attaché – военно-морской атташе
nuncio – посол Ватикана; нунчий
resident/ ordinary ambassador‐ постоянный посол
technical attaché – технишеский атташе
vice‐consul – виче‐консул
Diplomatic titles
Ambassador: a top‐ranking diplomat accredited to a foreign government or
to the head of state as a resident representative
Ambassador‐at‐large: a diplomatic agent accredited to no particular country
Ambassador‐designate: a diplomatic agent who has been appointed to office,
approved by the head of the receiving state, but has not presented his
credentials
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ABC of Diplomacy
Ambassador extraordinary: a non-accredited personal representative of the
head of state on a special diplomatic mission
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary: a personal representative of
the head of one state accredited to the head of another state, head of the
mission (1st class)
Attaché: 1. the lowest ranking official of the diplomatic service, this rank
being abolished in many countries and replaced by the ‚third secretary‛ 2. a
senior diplomatic official attached to a mission for specialized services, e. g.: a
military (naval, air or commercial)
Chargé d’affaires: a diplomatic representative inferior in rank to an
ambassador or minister who is sent to another country and accredited to the
minister of foreign affairs: head of the mission (3rd class)
Chargé d’affaires ad interim: the counsellor or secretary of an embassy or
legation who automatically assumes charge of a diplomatic mission in the
temporary absence of an ambassador or minister
Consul: an official appointed by a government to reside in a foreign country
to look after the interests of citizens of the appointing country
Consul general: a consular officer of the highest rank; senior official at the
consulate general
Counselor: a senior secretary at an embassy who, in the absence of the head
of a mission, acts as ‚Charge d’affaires‛
Diplomat: 1. one engaged in diplomacy, esp. accredited to a seat of
government in the receiving state; 2. an adroit negotiator, a tactful person
Diplomatic agent: head of the mission or a member of the diplomatic staff of
the mission
Diplomatic corps: the collective heads of foreign diplomatic missions and
their staffs in the capital of a country
Doyen: a senior official of the diplomatic corps
Internuncio: a papal representative ranking below a nuncio
Legate: an envoy or minister, esp. one officially representing the Pope
Minister‐designate: a diplomatic agent who has been appointed to office,
approved by the head of government to which he has been accredited, but
has not presented his credentials
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LESSON XI. TITLES AND FORMS OF ADDRESS
Courtesy Title Distinctions
1. The Honorable (Br. E.: Honorable) title is accorded foreign diplomats and
officials of Cabinet or equivalent rank, Chargés d’Affaires of ministerial level,
and heads of international organizations, unless the individual is otherwise
entitled to His Excellency. This title is also used in addressing most
high‐ranking American officials, in office or retired: congressmen, senators,
governors, judges and mayors.
Examples:
The Honorable
(full name)
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of (country)
The Honorable
(full name)
Director General of the (international organization)
The Honorable is never used by the person who holds the office in issuing or
answering invitations or on personal stationary or calling cards.
Correct:
Mr. John Smith
Under Secretary of (department)
requests the pleasure of
Wrong:
The Honorable John Smith
Under Secretary of (department)
requests the pleasure of
The Honorable is written out in full on the line above, or to the left of,
the name.
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Sometimes on business‐type letters, it is abbreviated as The Hon. Or
Hon. preceding the name on the same line, but this is not in the best social
usage.
The Honorable is not used in speaking to a person or in salutation,
although it is sometimes used in platform introductions. It is never used
before a surname only, and when appearing in the text of a letter or other
communication The is not capitalized (e.g., ‚<speech given by the Honorable
John Smith‛).
2. His/Her Excellency applies to a foreign Chief of State (the President of a
foreign republic), head of government (a Premier, a Prime Minister), a foreign
Cabinet officer, foreign Ambassador, other foreign high official or former
foreign high official.
Example:
His Excellency
John Smith
Prime Minister of (country)
A person once entitled to the title His Excellency may retain it throughout his
lifetime. It is customary to omit such a title when addressing the Prime
Minister or a Cabinet officer of a country within the British Commonwealth.
A Prime Minister takes the title The Right Honorable in addition to and
preceding the appropriate title denoting rank of nobility, if any.
3. Esquire. This title, when written in full, may be used in addressing a
lawyer, the Clerk of the United States Supreme Court, officers of other courts,
and male Foreign Service officers below the grade of Career Minister. When
Esquire is used, the individual’s personal title (Mr., Dr., etc.) is omitted: e.g.,
John Smith, Esquire.
4. Doctor (medical). This title, when abbreviated, is used before the names of
persons who have acquired entitling degrees. It should not be used in
combination with the abbreviation indicating such degrees.
Examples:
Dr. John Smith or John Smith, M.D. (Doctor of Medicine)
Dr. John Smith or John Smith, D.V.M. (Doctor of Veterinary
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Medicine)
Dr. John Smith or John Smith, D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery)
The general practice is that a doctor is addressed professionally in
writing with the initials of his degree following his name. For personal
introduction and in conversation, both professionally and socially, the
preferred form is Dr. Smith.
5. Academic titles. There are two types of academic titles; 1) doctor’s degree,
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), 2) academic position. If the holder of a
doctorate is also a professor, he may be addressed as Professor John Smith
rather than Dr. John Smith.
A President, Chancellor, Dean, Acting Dean, Professor, or Acting
Professor with doctoral degree is usually addressed as Dr. with his position
written on the same line following a comma, or on a line beneath the name.
For those without the doctoral degree, the title Mr. is used. To distinguish his
position from other holders of a doctorate in the same community who do
not have the academic position, the individual is often addressed as President
(or Chancellor) John Smith. The academic position title is generally used in
making introductions: e.g., Professor John Smith of Riverside College.
6. Ecclesiastical titles. A clergyman may be called Dr. if he has an academic
doctoral degree that is earned (Ph.D.) or honorary (D.D. or LL.D.). He may be
addressed as The Reverend in writing but his full name should always follow
this title and Reverend must always be preceded by The. It is incorrect to
address him as Reverend Smith or in writing as Dear Reverend. Depending on
the sect or denomination he represents and the position he fills, a clergyman
may also be addressed as The Right Reverend (if a bishop), Bishop, Cardinal,
Father, Pastor, Rabbi or Cantor.
Abbreviations
Before name
Titles preceding full names in a written address normally are not
abbreviated with the exception of Mr., Mrs. and Dr. In diplomatic
correspondence, excessively long titles (e.g., Lieutenant Colonel, Brigadier
General) may be abbreviated in the address for the sake of balance and
appearance.
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The abbreviation Messrs. is the plural form of the French word
‚Monsieur‛ (‚Mister‛) and is used before a list of men’s names: ‚Messrs.
Smith, Brown, and Peterson‛, and before the names of business partners:
‚Messrs. Dombey & Sons‛. In circular notes the title ‚Messieurs‛ is often
used along with the title ‚Mesdames‛, when addressing heads of missions
among whom there are women.
After name
Designations of degrees, fellowships, professional occupations and
military service branch used after a name are abbreviated. The initials of an
individual degree or order are written without spaces between them but with
periods; military service designations are written in capital letters without
periods‐ USMC (Unite States Marine Corps). Reserve officers of all the
services add the letter ‘R’ after the branch – USMCR. Scholastic degrees are
not used in combination with complimentary titles of address or with a
military rank. Academic degrees and religious orders should be used in the
following sequence: religious orders, theological degrees, doctoral degrees,
honorary degrees. It is a common practice to use not more than three degrees
after a name.
Here are some more abbreviations used in correspondence:
Bachelor of Arts – B.A.
Bachelor of Laws – LL.B.
Bachelor of Science – B.Sc.
Captain – Capt.
Colonel – Col.
Director – Dir.
Doctor of Laws – LL.D.
Doctor of Philosophy ‐ Ph.D.
Doctor of Science – D.Sc.
His/Her Excellency – H.E.
His/Her Royal Highness – H.R.H.
Master of Arts – M.A.
Master of Business Administration – MBA
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Master of Laws – LL.M.
Member of Parliament – M.P.
Professor – Prof.
Reverend – Rev.
Secretary – Sec.
Vice Chancellor – V.C.
Salutations
Salutations vary according to sex, official rank, status of the addressee,
degree of formality desired, and the relationship the person sending the letter
has to the recipient. In recent years there has been an increasing tendency to
use less formal salutations in official correspondence.
The title Mr. is used before such titles as President, Vice‐President,
Chairman, Secretary, Ambassador and Minister. If the official is a woman, the
title of Miss or Mrs. (or Madam) is substituted for Mr. and the surname
rather than formal title is used.
Example:
Dear Madam Secretary (to a woman Cabinet officer)
Dear Mrs. Smith (to a woman Member of the House of Representatives)
Dear Senator Smith (to a woman member of the Senate)

When it is not known whether the addressee is a man or a woman, the
prefix Mr. is always used; when it is not known whether a woman is married,
Miss is used rather than Mrs., although in recent years some agencies use Ms.
When it is known that a woman prefers that title. Ms. is not used, however, in
diplomatic or official correspondence.
In official correspondence the titles of top‐ranking government officials
(e.g., the President, Vice President, and Ambassador) are never used with the
individual’s surname. Instead, the formal salutation Dear Mr. President, Dear
Mr./Madam Ambassador is used. The most impersonal openings to officials
are Sir and Madam and may be used for business letters. Gentlemen or
Ladies may be used if a group is being addressed.
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Complimentary Close in Correspondence

Correspondence to high officials (e.g., to the President, Chiefs of State, a
member of a royal family or nobility) may be closed with Respectfully or
Respectfully yours.
In corresponding with other government officials, diplomats, private
citizens, Sincerely or Sincerely yours is proper. Very truly yours is sometimes
used in formal communications. In formal correspondence a compliment is
usually used: Accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest (or high)
consideration/ Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest and
most distinguished consideration.
Assignments
1. Suggest the Russian for:
a) Dean, Dear Mr. Jones, Dear Mrs. Jackson, Dear Colleague, Dear Professor,
Excellency, Dear Sir, My dear Madam Ambassador, Madam, Sir
b) The Honorable John Smith, Professor John Smith, The Right Honorable,
Bishop, The Right Reverend, the Reverend Father
c) ‐ Sincerely Yours,
‐ Respectfully Yours,
‐ Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
‐ I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the
assurances of my highest consideration.
2. De‐abbreviate:
The Reverend John Matthews, SJ, Ph. D., D. D
John Smith, Esq.
John Jones, D. D. S.
Jane Brown, LL. D.
Prof. Jane Jeanne Doe
Thomas Brown, Esq., M. P.
Jane Smith, M. A.
John Smith, LL. M., Jur. Sc. D.
Jane Smith, LL. D., Ph. D.
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LESSON XII. USEFUL EXPRESSIONS OF ADDRESSING IN WRITING

DIPLOMATIC NOTES
1.) Opening expressions
Our purpose in writing now is to inform you of <

We are pleased to inform you that <
I am pleased to inform you that <
It gives one pleasure to <
May I inform you that <
This is to notify you that <
We are writing to you in your capacity of Chairman of the Organizing
Committee of <
We have forwarded your best regards to <
We have just received your letter of (date) and hasten to reply <
We have just received your letter of (date) in which you request information
on <
I have received your letter and I am pleased that <
We have recently received your notification that <
I was very glad to receive your letter and learn that <
This is only a short note to let you know that we have received your letter of
(date) <
This is to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of (date) <
Following your letter of (date) we wish to inform you that <
In reference to your letter dated <
In response to your letter of (date), we <
In reply to your inquiry this is to inform you that <
In answer to your letter, we want to accept your invitation in principle <
As requested in your letter of (date), we are forwarding to your attention <
This is just a short note to tell you that your request to <
We are pleased to hear that you would like to <
It was most kind of you to write us such a cordial letter of congratulations <
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Not clear to me from your letter is whether <
2.) Congratulations and Wishes

Please accept my heartfelt felicitations on the occasion of your birthday.
It is a great pleasure to congratulate you <
May the years ahead fulfill all your hopes <
I wish I could express my felicitations in person <
Let me begin by wishing you Happy New Year. I hope that it will bring you
happiness success in your work and health for you and your family <
Soon it will be New Year’s Day, so I will take this opportunity to wish <
We want on this occasion to extend to you our best wishes for health,
happiness and success in your work for the New Year <
Let me conclude by wishing you all the best in coming year.
We would like to send a special greeting for <
Mr. /Mrs. joins me in sending you and < our best regards and our best
wishes for your happiness, and success in your work.
3.) Excuses
We found your letter of (date) awaiting us when <
Your letter arrived the day before I returned from < This accounts for my
delay in answering. This is the first opportunity I have had to reply to it.
Kindly forgive me for my tardy to your request for <
Other duties prevented me from responding sooner.
Please ignore my question about < I raised it hastily without giving it much
thought.
Forgive us for our late reply<
Please forgive us for not replying sooner to your kind letter of (date).
We have been overwhelmed with many commitments.
4.) Apologies and Regrets

Please accept our apologies for not having replied sooner.
I apologize for the delay in my reply, which is due to my absence from <
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We are extremely sorry for any inconvenience which may have been caused
by our late acceptance of your kind invitation <
I very much regret that I was unable to be present at < I trust that my
absence did not inconvenience you. Please accept my apologies for not
having notified you in good time that I would be unable to attend.
We are sorry, therefore to have to decline your invitation.
I regret that I must decline this invitation for a twofold reason.
First, I am already committed to < Second <
However I very much regret to say that it will be possible for me to < owing
to <
With appreciation of your consideration in this matter, and again, with
my/our regrets, I remain, Sincerely Yours <
It is with a great deal of regret that we are writing this letter to you. We feel
very badly about this unexpected development and we hope you will
understand <
We regret the delay in sending our applications <
We regret to write you that your application was not <
5.) Reminders
You may recall our correspondence with you some < ago when <
In my letter dated (date) I wrote that I would be unable to <
This is merely a gentle reminder of the fact that < (we are getting very tight
in time)
I mentioned to you, incidentally that < I would be interested to learn your
thoughts on <
May we/I call your attention to the fact that <
6.) Condolences
We wish to extend to you our sincere sympathy in a loss so grave <
Please accept on behalf of < our condolences over the loss of <
Please also convey our sympathy to his (her) family.
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7.) Thanks
Thank you for your (most helpful) letter in which you suggest that <
Thank you for your letter of (date) informing us/me about <
Please convey our/my sincere thanks to <
Many thanks for your good letter < (or) in forming us/me of <
We are extremely interested to hear of your proposals to <
We/I would like to take this opportunity to convey our/my deepest thanks to
you for extending your invitation to < We/I should very much like to keep
the invitation open and <
May we /I express our/my most appreciate thanks to you for <
I am writing to express to you my gratitude to you for <
May I express to you my personal appreciation for <
We want to express our appreciation for your willingness to <
It is a great pleasure for us to accept herewith your (kind) invitation <
I am very happy to accept your invitation < and I will be looking forward to
seeing you <
The date you suggest for our visit is suitable for us.
8.) Requests
We are writing to enquire about < We would be grateful if you would
inform us of <
I wish to request that my name be put on your mailing list for information
concerning <
We/I would appreciate it if you could provide us/me with a formal letter of
invitation to participate in our <
Please let us know at your earliest convenience whether <
Please keep us in touch.
We will welcome further information regarding the proposed session at your
convenient time.
When I wrote on (date) expressing my regret at being unable to (attend) <, it
did not occur to me to inquire whether <
If you are able to respond in due course concerning the <, we will appreciate
it.
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We/I would appreciate it very much if you would let us/me know the
outcome of your decision at your earliest convenience.
We would appreciate very much learning as soon as possible if <
It is imperative that we receive your reply as soon as possible because <
Please continue to address all correspondence concerning < to us at the
above address.
9.) Offers
Should you have any questions or if any problems should arise please do not
hesitate to contact me <
If we can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
As soon as I/we have received confirmation of my/our airplane reservations,
I/we will send you a telegram notifying you of the arrival/departure time of
my/our flight.
We are writing to you to officially invite you to <
We will be highly pleased if you can take part in <
In case our letter of invitation went astray, we are enclosing a copy for your
information.
To obtain further information, please contact (name) <
If I/we can be of service < or if you have any question, I/we will be glad to
help you. Let me/us renew my offer to <
10.) Invitations
This is an official invitation for you to <
On behalf of <, it is pleasure to invite you to <
It is a great pleasure for me to extend to you a cordial invitation to <
We would certainly do our best to make your visit pleasurable as well.
I wonder if it is all right with you and if it fits into your travel schedule.
Should your time permit, it would give us/me particular pleasure to invite
you to <
11.) Expressing hopes
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We hope that our letter reaches you in time to <
We hope that despite that late arrival you will find it possible <
I/We hope that you will find everything in (good) order.
Looking forward to < (the most interesting meeting)
Hoping this letter reaches you in time, may we request that <
We sincerely hope that it will not be long before we meet again.
Hoping to hear from you soon, Sincerely yours, <
We look forward to a speedy reply and hope very much that <
We have the greatest hopes that you will <
Hoping to have the pleasure of seeing you next (place) and with very best
regards.
We hope that our letter will reach safely.
12.) Closing sentences

Let me close this brief letter by hoping that sometime later <
Just before sealing this letter <
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Hoping to have the pleasure of seeing you next < and with very best
regards.
May I take this opportunity to wish you and < every success.
Please except, Your Excellency, the assurances of highest consideration.
Выступления при вручении верительных грамот

Address on the occasion of expressing credentials
Выдержки из реши Посла и ответной Excerpts from the Ambassador’s

реши ... по слушаю врушения remarks and ... reply on the occasion
верительных грамот. of the presentation of credentials.
Ваше Превосходительство, Your Excellency,
Имею шесть врушить Вам I have the honor to present you the
верительные грамоты, которыми ... letters of credence whereby the ...
аккредитует меня в кашестве accredits me as Ambassador
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Чрезвышайного и Полномошного Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
Посла ... в Республике (страна), а the ... to the Republic of (country),
также отзывные грамоты моего and also submit the letters of recall of
предшественника, Посла (имя, my predecessor, Ambassador (name).
отшество и фамилия).
Мне порушена ответственная и I am entrusted with an important and
весьма пошетная миссия most honorable mission to represent,
представлять, в кашестве Посла, в in my capacity of Ambassador, the ...
(страна). in (country).
Я хошу заверить Ваше I should like to assure Your
Превосходительство, што при Excellency that in discharging the
выполнении этой высокой миссии, high mission entrusted to me by the
возложенной на меня Government of the Republic of
Правительством Республики Tajikistan I shall make every effort to
Таджикистана, я приложу все силы develop good relations between the ...
для развития добрых отношений and (country). I hope that in carrying
между ... и (страна). Я надеюсь, што out this mission I shall receive
при осуществлении этой миссии я understanding and support on your
встрешу понимание и поддержку с part, as well as cooperation of the
Вашей стороны, а также Government of (country).
сотруднишество Правительства
(страна).
Уважаемый господин Посол, Esteemed Mr. Ambassador,
Мне доставляет большое It gives me great pleasure to welcome
удовольствие приветствовать Вас в you as Ambassador Extraordinary
кашестве Чрезвышайного и and Plenipotentiary of (country) to ...
Полномошного Посла (страна) в ...
Выражаю признательность за I appreciate the greetings to the
приветствия народу и people and the Government of the ...
Правительству..., переданные Вами which you have conveyed on behalf
от имени народа и Правительства of the people and the Government of
(страна). (country).
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Принимая Ваши верительные In accepting your letters of credence, I
грамоты, могу заверить Вас, г-н can assure you, Mr. Ambassador, that
Посол, што в своей деятельности на in your activities as plenipotentiary
посту полномошного представителя representative of (country) you will
(страна) meet with understanding and
Вы встретите понимание и assistance on the part of the ... , the
содействие со стороны Government of the Republic of
Правительства Республики Tajikistan and myself.
Таджикистан и у меня лишно.
Желаю Вам успехов в выполнении I wish you success in the fulfillment
Вашей высокой и ответственной of your noble and important mission.
миссии.
LESSON XIII. RELATIVELY NEW FORMS OF DIPLOMATIC

DOCUMENTS
1. Statement is a formal account of facts, views, and problems.

2. Declaration is a formal announcement, written notification made to the
authorities.
3. Resolution is a formal decision arrived at by vote of the members of the
meeting.
4. Speech is a formal address or discourse delivered to the audience on a
particular subject.
Statement
of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Founder of Piece and
National Unity, Leader of Nation, His Excellency Mr. Emomali
Rakhmon at the high-level event on the occasion of the launch of the
international decade for action "Water for Sustainable Development,
2018-2028"
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Excellency Mr. Chairman!
Excellency Mr. Secretary-General!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
I would first of all like to thank the President of the 72nd Session of the
UN General Assembly Mr. Miroslav Lajč{k for convening and organizing the
High-level Event on the occasion of the launch of the International Decade for
Action "Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028".
Today's event coincides with the 25th anniversary of the World Water
Day, which is annually celebrated across the world. This fact increases the
significance of today’s event dedicated to the launch of the International
decade of action.
I do strongly believe that this event will open a new chapter in the
United Nations’ engagement aiming at seeking for and finding solutions to
the most crucial global challenges related to the effective use and
preservation of water resources.
Today it is hard indeed to imagine the smallest corner in our planet –
earth where there is no challenge in the field of water resources. We put great
focus on the role of this priceless asset in sustainable development. All walks
of life and spheres of human activity are closely linked with water resources.
From this point of view, water resources are not only an indispensable
component, but essential for sustainable development, which require a
comprehensive, holistic and serious approach to their use and conservation
for the sake of future generations. It is a pivot of life.
Ladies and gentlemen!
Today we embark on the path towards an implementation of the
International Decade, which is aimed at promoting sustainable management
and an integrated use of water resources.
It gives us hope that we are starting not from scratch, but with a lot of
previous global initiatives in the field of water resources.
We particularly have made a progress over the last 15 years through
joint efforts in proclaiming 2003 as the International Year of Freshwater, the
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International Decade for Action "Water for Life, 2005-2015" and 2013 as the
International Year of Water Cooperation.
While implementing these initiatives, we gained a valuable experience
that ultimately I believe will help us in tackling new and crucial water related
goals and targets.
All these initiatives have made a valuable contribution to enriching our
knowledge of nature and of the irreplaceable role of water for life on our
planet.
Moreover, these global initiatives have facilitated active involvement of
all stakeholders in water resources management, helped to implement
projects aimed at improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and
promoting cutting-edge technologies and innovations.
I would particularly like to highlight contribution of our global
initiatives in the implementation of the internationally agreed development
goals, in particular the MDGs.
Over this period of time, we stood shoulder-to-shoulder and made
every effort to expand cooperation and partnership, build appropriate
mechanisms for interaction and dialogue to find best solutions in
management and preservation of extremely diminishing freshwater resources
in our planet.
The efforts we have made laid a solid foundation for the elaboration of
a new sustainable development agenda, in which water resources are
prioritized.
Water resources are identified as a key element of development in the
new sustainable development agenda. Sustainable development cannot be
reached until sustainable and effective water resources management is
ensured.
Member states of Friends of Water Group played an important role in
the promotion of this paradigm many of which are actively contributing to
the advancement of the global water agenda.
I wish to take this opportunity to express deep appreciation and
profound gratitude to the missions of all members of the Friends of Water
Group for their continued efforts and unwavering support.
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I am pleased to also thank all the sponsoring countries of UN GA
Resolution 71/222 for their support in proclaiming the period 2018-2028 as the
International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development".
The International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable
Development, 2018-2028" is aimed at implementing water related goals and
targets and creates a broad platform for capacity development, building up
experience and partnership in this field.
The new Decade will contribute to a smooth transition to the
implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
We do hope that the Decade and its implementation and monitoring
mechanisms will significantly help to better coordination and increase of
effectiveness of measures the international community takes towards
achieving integrated water resources management.
I would also like to note that the existing mechanisms of interaction and
partnership among the stakeholders need to be improved.
Distinguished participants,
As it has been already mentioned, in 2016, at the initiative of the UN
Secretary General and the President of the World Bank, High-Level Panel on
Water was convened and I with delight present you some results of its work.
To provide leadership in tackling the most pressing challenges – an
approaching global water crisis, a week ago – on March 14 – the Panel has
published an Outcome Report titled ‚Making Every Drop Count:
An Agenda for Water Action‛ which articulates in three parts:
1) a foundation for action,

2) an integrated agenda for action at local, national and regional levels, and 3)
catalyzing change, building partnerships & international cooperation at the
global level.
It summarizes the recommendations of the Panel and its initiatives in

addressing water challenges at various levels in order to achieve
internationally agreed goal of sustainable development, including that
contained in SDG 6.
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Recommendations of Panel are aimed at shaping the situation as how
does the international community understands, values and ensures better
water management. To this end, recommendations emphasize the importance
of evaluation of water and recognition of its social, cultural, economic and
natural values.
The international community is called on to provide an integrated
approach to water management, natural disasters risks reduction and
building infrastructure and economy.
Increase of the volume and efficiency of investments in water infrastructure,
promotion of innovation, expansion of international cooperation and
partnership were stated as the fulcrum of recommendations.
In this context, the Panel calls for a policy that would double
investment in infrastructure in the next five years.
Of course, a special priority is given to ensuring safe drinking water
and proper sanitation conditions as one of the fundamental human rights.
Panel recommendations first and foremost place great focus on political
leaders and public opinion makers who represent both the public and private
sectors, those who can determine and influence water policy.
Recommendations also urge all stakeholders to unite in the preparation and
adoption of measures, as well as strengthen efforts to address water-related
challenges at all levels.
The Republic of Tajikistan, as a member of the Panel and initiator of the
International Decade of Action "Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-
2028" will continue to support and promote the Panel's recommendations at
all levels.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the
Secretary-General and his most efficient team for the continued efforts to
promote the UN water agenda.
I cannot but commend a pivotal and leading role of the UN Department
of Economic and Social Affairs in the implementation of the Decade and the
preparation of the Decade Plan of Action, and an unwavering support of the
UN-Water mechanism.
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In my view, the Action Plan could be an important and timely guide for
all stakeholders in achieving goals and objectives contained in the Decade.
It is obvious that our joint path towards an implementation of new
tasks and objectives in the field of water resources is not going to be easy and
smooth.
Many and new set of challenges most likely are going to facing us in
this road. We should look for the best way to tackle the problem. We should
take into account a series of challenges that may pose additional and
complicated tasks ahead of us.
In this context, we should not stand aside and proceed to deed right
now, to determine scope and possibilities for our further strong and wide-
ranging cooperation in the field of water resources:
The first is climate change, which adversely affects the quality and
quantity of water resources. It undermines our efforts to achieve sustainable
development goals.
Over the last few decades of the past century, more than 1,000 glaciers
in Tajikistan have completely vanished. It means over 30% of their volume is
melted away, and the horrible thing is, that this is steadily continues.
Over this period of time, icecap called ‚Fedchenko‛ – largest
continental glacier, is retreated by almost one kilometer and its area is
decreased by 11 square kilometers, having lost approximately two cubic
kilometers of ice.
Due to an adverse impact of climate change in recent years in Tajikistan,
where 93% of the territory is mountainous, there is an increase in the
intensity of natural phenomena associated with water resources, which cause
enormous material and moral damage.
Natural disasters also jeopardize our efforts to achieve sustainable
development goals and cause added challenges in reducing poverty.
The second: population growth and increase in needs of water resources,
which bring in new and complex objectives to address.
Demand for water resources all over the world is growing at a rapid
pace, which, in turn, causes serious tensions between sectors of the economy.
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Tough competition for water resources in terms of increasing desperate water
shortage can lead to negative repercussions on even individual country.
We do believe that the widespread introduction of integrated and nexus
approaches in water management opens up new opportunities for the
improvement of the existing tools of inter-sectoral and intergovernmental
water cooperation.
The third: gender aspect of water issues, which have to be taken into
account. Women should be actively involved in the development process by
empowering them in the management and conservation of water resources.
Effective involvement of women in these processes can be the key to
our success in addressing water challenges and achieving sustainable
development.
The fourth: toolkits for implementation, by which we must consolidate
our plans and actions.
In particular, I mean human and financial resources, investments and
state-of-the-art technologies.
Cooperation in the field of education and culture of sustainable water
management and water consumption could be a critical element of our joint,
concerted efforts.
Expansion of public-private partnerships explores new opportunities
for achieving goals in ensuring access to water and sanitation for all.
Tajikistan has spent nearly one billion US dollars over the past fifteen
years to provide access to safe water and sanitation.
As a result of measures taken by the Tajik Government during the last
five years, about 1,2 million people have gained access to improved water
supply conditions and 600 thousand people have been given access to safe
drinking water.
The fifth: trans-boundary component of water cooperation, which plays
a central role in ensuring peace, stability and development.
Today, there are more than 276 international river basins in the world
which cover 148 countries and where over 40% of the world’s population live.
Strong and productive water cooperation can be a catalyst for
development, however lack of such cooperation can cause serious risks and
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heavy costs, negatively affecting economic and social situation in landlocked
countries.
Strengthening the institutional capacity of cross-border water cooperation in
many regions worldwide, contributes to the harmonious development of all
riparian countries.
Central Asia today actively promotes a process of regional integration,
which, in our view, should help to improve regional cooperation in water
and energy issues.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the achievement of
sustainable development, prosperity and security would be possible only
through building up effective and rational water cooperation based on
mutual trust, fair consideration of needs and consumption, and involvement
of all stakeholders, as well as the continuous efforts to seek for and improve
water dialogue and genuine partnership.
To make discernible progress in these areas we need to have strong,
invariable political will, stern resolve, sufficient resources and clear-cut
enduring decisions. We should get to the bottom of problem and what the
solutions could be. I trust we can find best solution for the good of
generations to come.
The International High-Level Conference on the International Decade
for Action "Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028" which is going to
be hosted by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in cooperation
with the United Nations agencies and other partners in Dushanbe on June 20-
22 this year will focus on the discussion of these and other topical issues of
water cooperation.
We at the Conference also intend to continue and expand the
framework of our today's dialogue, which can give a new impetus and spur
to increasing efforts towards the implementation of the Decade.
Furthermore, Dushanbe Water Conference would be a timely and solid
platform for the elaboration of specific recommendations how to strengthen
efforts in achieving water related goals and objectives in a run-up to the
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forthcoming UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development,
which is set to review Sustainable Development Goal 6.
I seize this opportunity to invite all of you to attend the upcoming
Dushanbe Water Conference. I look forward to meeting you all at the
Conference this June.
Thank you!
DECLARATION
of the High Level International Conference on Water Cooperation
Dushanbe, Tajikistan 20‐21 August 2013
We, representatives of governments, international and regional organizations

and civil society met in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in 20 and 21 August 2013, at the
High Level International Conference on Water Cooperation (HLICWC) to
support the implementation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution
A/67/204 ‚Implementation of the International Year of Water Cooperation,
2013,‛ and to promote actions at all levels to advance cooperation on water.
In doing so,
We recognize that the cooperative development and management of shared

water resources at the basin level is essential for broad‐based sustainable
economic growth, overall human development, poverty and hunger
eradication, public health, food security, energy security, environmental
protection, disaster prevention, urban and rural development, resilience to
climate change and, importantly, peace and stability, and reaffirm our
commitment to water as a driver of development and means for promoting
trust and cooperation.
We acknowledge that governments play a key role in managing water across

competing demands and encourage stronger dialogue, as appropriate, at the
local, national and regional levels to promote the cooperative development
and management of shared waters for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders.
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We encourage governments and communities that share surface or
groundwater resources to consider the outcomes from high‐level panel
discussions and technical sessions at the High Level International Conference
on Water Cooperation and other UN conferences of the international year of
cooperation, as reported in the Chair’s Summary, including specific steps to
cooperatively manage these resources, such as institutional arrangements,
involving joint assessment, planning, monitoring and information‐sharing
mechanisms, legal frameworks, river basin organizations, mediation and
dispute settlement; creating incentives for cooperation, including financing
and investments, cost and benefit sharing; and capacity building, including
strengthening the scientific understanding of the water cycle through
cooperation in joint observation and research and the voluntary sharing of
knowledge and technology on mutually agreed terms and conditions.
We particularly note the importance of indigenous knowledge and of

including women and children and ethnic minorities as stakeholders and as
leaders of change. We highlight the importance of timely achieving the
Millennium Development Goals and other internationally agreed
development goals, including those of the International Decade for Action
‚Water for Life, 2005‐2015,‛ and call for the acceleration and focusing of
development cooperation and efforts on the areas and countries that are not
on‐track to achieve the MDGs.
We note the discussions and recommendations of the Global Thematic

Consultations on Water in the post‐2015 development agenda recognize the
importance of access to water and sanitation to development. In this regard,
we recommend that issues of water and sanitation be given due
consideration in the elaboration of the post‐2015 development agenda, which
are to include disaster risk reduction and the achievement of universal access
to water and sanitation including wastewater management, and in support of
the UN conventions on climate, desertification and biodiversity.
We underline the importance of establishing regular dialogue process on

water and disaster at the United Nations.
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We underscore the significant water‐related challenges facing the most
vulnerable countries, in particular, African countries, least developed
countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing
States, and encourage all development partners to support these countries’
efforts through such means as capacity development, technology transfer,
and financing.
We welcome the Dushanbe Plan of Action on Water Cooperation, which

includes voluntary commitments to advance water cooperation, and
encourage stakeholders at all levels to consider additional steps they might
take to ensure the benefits of water are fully realized by all in an equitable,
cooperative and sustainable manner.
Finally, we express our sincere appreciation to the Government of Tajikistan

for hosting the Conference and for the warm welcome and generous
hospitality extended to all participants, as well as its appreciation for the
assistance and support provided by the United Nations and other
international and regional organizations.
RESOLUTION
Of United Nations General Assembly on International Decade for
Action, “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028
23.12.2016
United Nations,
General Assembly,
Seventy-first session,
Agenda item 19 (a)
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belarus,
Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Bosnia and Herzegovina,
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Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,
Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa
Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, El
Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia,
Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,
Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq,
Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan,
Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico,
Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco,
Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New
Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua
New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic
of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and
the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone,
Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic,
Tajikistan, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo,
Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United
Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela
(Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe: draft
resolution
International Decade for Action, ‚Water for Sustainable Development‛, 2018-

2028
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolutions 47/193 of 22 December 1992 on the observance of

World Day for Water, 55/196 of 20 December 2000, by which it proclaimed
2003 the International Year of Freshwater, 58/217 of 23 December 2003, by
which it proclaimed the International Decade for Action, ‚Water for Life‛,
2005-2015, 61/192 of 20 December 2006, by which it proclaimed 2008 the
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International Year of Sanitation, 65/154 of 20 December 2010, by which it
proclaimed 2013 the International Year of Water Cooperation, and 67/204 of
21 December 2012 on the implementation of the International Year of Water
Cooperation, 2013,
Recalling also its resolutions 64/198 of 21 December 2009 on the midterm

comprehensive review of the implementation of the International Decade for
Action, ‚Water for Life‛, 2005-2015, and 69/215 of 19 December 2014, in
which it welcomed activities undertaken for the observance of the Decade
and encouraged relevant parties to continue to take steps to achieve the
internationally agreed water-related goals,
Recalling further its resolutions 68/157 of 18 December 2013 on the human

right to safe drinking water and sanitation and 70/169 of 17 December 2015
on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, and the relevant
resolutions of the Human Rights Council, including resolutions 24/18 of 27
September 2013 and 27/7 of 25 September 2014,
Recalling Economic and Social Council resolutions 1980/67 of 25 July 1980 on

international years and anniversaries and 1989/84 of 24 May 1989 on
guidelines for international decades in economic and social fields and
General Assembly resolutions 53/199 of 15 December 1998 and 61/185 of 20
December 2006 on the proclamation of international years,
Recalling also its resolutions 70/1 of 25 September 2015, entitled

‚Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development‛,
and 70/299 of 29 July 2016 on follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development at the global level,
Reaffirming the sustainable development goals and targets, including those

related to water resources, contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development, and determined to achieve the goal of ensuring the availability
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and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all and other related
goals and targets,
Recalling the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on

Sustainable Development, this highlighted the commitment to the
International Decade for Action, ‚Water for Life‛, 2005-2015,
Reaffirming that the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International
Conference on Financing for Development is an integral part of the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development and that the full implementation of the
Addis Ababa Action Agenda is critical for the realization of the Sustainable
Development Goals and targets,
Emphasizing that water is critical for sustainable development and the

eradication of poverty and hunger, that water, energy, food security and
nutrition are linked and that water is indispensable for human development,
health and well-being and a vital element of achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals and other relevant goals in the social, environmental and
economic fields,
Deeply concerned that lack of access to a safe drinking water source, basic
sanitation and sound hygiene, water-related disasters, water scarcity and
water pollution will be further exacerbated by urbanization, population
growth, desertification, drought and other extreme weather events and
climate change, as well as by the lack of capacity to ensure integrated water
resource management,
Concerned with the slow progress in advocating for, and addressing existing
gaps in, gender mainstreaming and the empowerment of women that
hamper the achievement of sustainable development goals and targets,
Concerned also that many water-related ecosystems are threatened by poor
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management and unsustainable development and face increased uncertainty
and risks due to climate change and other factors,
Recalling that the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, among other things, seeks to
develop and implement holistic disaster risk management at all levels in line
with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030,
Acknowledging the importance of deepening cooperation and partnership at

all levels for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals
on water and sanitation,
Recognizing that water-related issues, including relevant Sustainable

Development Goals and targets, need to be better reflected in the agendas of
the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council,
Noting national, regional and global efforts and partnership initiatives to

implement the International Decade for Action, ‚Water for Life‛, 2005-2015,
the numerous recommendations from global and regional water and water-
related events and the water-related Sustainable Development Goals and
targets contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
Noting also the establishment of the High-level Panel on Water by the

Secretary-General and the President of the World Bank, and looking forward
to its work,
Noting further the United Nations World Water Development Report, a joint
project of United Nations agencies and entities, in particular the edition
entitled Water for a Sustainable World, the report of the annual international
conference of UN-Water held in Zaragoza, Spain, in 2015, on the theme
‚Water and sustainable development: from vision to action‛, UN-Water
advice on means of implementation of the water-related Sustainable
Development Goals and the work of the Advisory Board on Water and
Sanitation,
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Recognizing the important role of relevant initiatives and multi-stakeholder

partnerships in building political support and encouraging investment in
water and sanitation,
Noting the outcomes and the Ministerial Declaration of the seventh World
Water Forum, held in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea, from 12 to
17 April 2015,
Noting also the outcomes of the high-level interactive dialogue at the sixty-
ninth session of the General Assembly, held on 30 March 2015,
Noting further the Declaration of the High-level International Conference on

the Implementation of the International Decade for Action, ‚Water for Life‛,
2005-2015, held in Dushanbe on 9 and 10 June 2015, and the call for action of
the high-level symposium on the theme ‚Sustainable Development Goal 6
and targets: ensuring that no one is left behind in access to water and
sanitation‛, held in Dushanbe on 9 and 10 August 2016,
1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the International

Decade for Action, ‚Water for Life‛, 2005-2015, and further efforts to achieve
the sustainable development of water resources;
2. Welcomes the activities related to water undertaken by Member States, the

United Nations Secretariat and organizations of the United Nations system,
inter alia, through inter-agency work, as well as contributions from major
groups, for the observance of the International Year of Sanitation, 2008, the
International Year of Water Cooperation, 2013, and the International Decade
for Action, ‚Water for Life‛, 2005-2015;
3. Proclaims the period from 2018 to 2028 the International Decade for Action,
‚Water for Sustainable Development‛, to commence on World Water Day, 22
March 2018, and terminate on World Water Day, 22 March 2028;
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4. Decides that the objectives of the Decade should be a greater focus on the
sustainable development and integrated management of water resources for
the achievement of social, economic and environmental objectives and on the
implementation and promotion of related programs and projects, as well as
on the furtherance of cooperation and partnership at all levels in order to
help to achieve internationally agreed water-related goals and targets,
including those contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;
5. Highlights the importance of promoting efficient water usage at all levels,

taking into account the water, food, energy, environment nexus, including in
the implementation of national development programs;
6. Decides that these objectives should be pursued, inter alia, by improving

knowledge generation and dissemination, facilitating access to knowledge
and exchange of good practices, generating new information relevant to the
water-related Sustainable Development Goals, pursuing advocacy,
networking and promoting partnership and action by different actors to
implement the water-related Goals and targets in coordination with existing
initiatives and strengthening communication actions at various levels for the
implementation of the water-related Goals;
7. Stresses the importance of the participation and full involvement of all

relevant stakeholders, including women, children, young people, older
persons, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and local communities,
in the implementation of the Decade at all levels;
8. Invites the Secretary-General, with the support of UN-Water, to take

appropriate steps, within existing resources, to plan and organize the
activities of the Decade at the global, regional and country levels, taking into
account the outcomes of the International Decade for Action, ‚Water for
Life‛, 2005-2015, and the work of the high-level political forum on sustainable
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development and other relevant United Nations structures, as well as the
High-level Panel on Water;
9. Emphasizes the need for further steps to accelerate and sustain action
towards the mobilization of means of implementation, and encourages the
development, dissemination, diffusion and transfer of environmentally
sound technologies to developing countries on favourable terms, including
on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed, and for the
stepping up of international cooperation and collaboration in science,
research and innovation for the sustainable development of water resources
at the local, national and regional levels, including through public-private
and multi-stakeholder partnerships, and on the basis of common interest and
mutual benefit;
10. Encourages the Secretary-General to continue efforts to promote the

mobilization of financial resources and technical assistance and to strengthen
the effectiveness and the full utilization of existing international funds for the
effective implementation of the water-related Sustainable Development Goals
and targets;
11. Requests the Secretary-General, with the support of UN-Water, the

specialized agencies, the regional commissions and other entities of the
United Nations system, mindful of the provisions contained in the annex to
Economic and Social Council resolution 1989/84, to facilitate the
implementation of the Decade in cooperation with Governments and other
relevant stakeholders;
12. Requests the President of the General Assembly to convene, during the
seventy-first session, a working-level dialogue to discuss improving the
integration and coordination of the work of the United Nations on the water-
related goals and targets under its sustainable development pillar, with a
particular emphasis on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, while
preserving its integrated and indivisible nature, and a subsequent working-
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level dialogue to take stock of the discussions at the first dialogue and to
exchange views on the relevance of possible next steps, and in this regard:
(a) Decides that the dialogues shall be ad hoc, informal, inclusive, open-
ended and interactive, with the participation of countries, relevant regional
and international organizations, relevant United Nations system entities, UN-
Water and other relevant stakeholders;
(b) Invites the President of the General Assembly to appoint two

co-moderators for the dialogues, one from a developed country and one from
a developing country, who will also prepare the informal summary of the
dialogues;
(c) Also invites the President of the General Assembly to prepare a concept
note for the dialogues, in collaboration with the co-moderators, taking into
consideration relevant work and processes and avoiding duplication;
13. Decides, in accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution

1989/84, to review the implementation of the Decade at its seventy-seventh
session, and in this regard also decides to consider, at its seventy-third
session, the future arrangements for a midterm comprehensive review of the
Decade;
14. Encourages Member States, relevant United Nations bodies, the

specialized agencies, the regional commissions and other organizations of the
United Nations system, as well as other relevant partners, including the
private sector, to contribute to the International Decade for Action, ‚Water
for Sustainable Development‛, 2018-2028, building on the momentum gained
during the International Decade for Action, ‚Water for Life‛, 2005-2015, in
order to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development.
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Speech
by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan H.E. Mr. Emomali
Rahmon at the Arab – Islamic – US Summit
In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful,

Your Majesty, the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
Your Excellency, the President of the United States of America,
Royal Highnesses, Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Distinguished Members of Delegations,
Honorable participants,
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
I at the outset would like to extend my sincere gratitude to organizers

of this Summit for the warm welcome, generous hospitality and the favorable
environment for our deliberations.
Building peace, stability and security in the region and the entire world
is a key to promote a process of sustainable development.
An unprecedented wave of terrorism and extremism urges us all to
seek for the most efficient ways and ‚road maps‛ to eliminate sources of its
political, military and financial support.
A mass of statements and declarations are adopted over the last 25
years, which unfortunately have not yet yielded desirable results.
In our view, pursuance of ‚double standards‛ policy is one of the
elements preventing implementation of overall common efforts.
Thereby, radical and violent groups benefit from the support of so
called public foundations and organizations and even countries.
Consequently, these threats and challenges have extended geography of
their distribution in the most horrific ways.
They (threats and challenges) provoked an extinction of whole states,
led to a death of hundreds of thousands of people and caused an
unprecedented demolition across many countries and territories.
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It is a matter of deep concern that attempts of politicizing and abuse
(misuse) of immaculate name of the holy Islam religion provoked the growth
of islamophobia and emergence of hatred towards Muslims.
I in this regard reiterate that terrorist and extremist has neither
homeland nor nation and nor religion.
Tajikistan at early years of its national independence had a painful
experience of hard days of instability.
Ideology of extremism and terrorism, violence and foreign intervention
in domestic policy and affairs, as well as intrusion of alien ideas and vision to
the people had provoked the instability.
As a result of imposed bloody war hundreds of thousands of our fellow
citizens have been killed, about one million fled the country and became
refugees.
Despite this we managed to build a platform for a wide intra-national
dialogue and revived national unity and fostered stability in our society.
In the context of our peace-building experience we express our firm
determination and support of the principles for peaceful solution of conflicts
within universally recognized norms and regulations.
Ladies and gentlemen,

Security challenges are growing in our region under the influence of the
current instability.
Stability and security in Central Asia mostly linked with and depends
on the situation in Afghanistan.
We support constructive efforts of the international community and the
Government of neighboring Afghanistan aimed at building lasting peace and
genuine stability.
We stand ready to make our input in this process in the period ahead.
Drug trafficking as one of the sources of financial nourishment of
terrorism and violence is yet another challenge causing deep concern and
alarm in the region and across the world.
There is still a need for extensive international cooperation to counter
narcotics.
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Massive and widespread use of cutting-edge technologies, particularly
internet for mercenary ends of propaganda of extremist and radical ideas
unconditionally necessitates our joint concerted actions and cohesive fight
against this menace.
We can achieve a positive development in addressing global threats
and challenges and prevail together over the hardships only if the
international community unites and coordinates its actions.
We believe this process should be a comprehensive and inclusive under
the core and coordinating role of the United Nations.
Terrorism cannot be defeated only by building on the military might
and solution.
We should identify and meticulously examine the factors nourishing
terrorism as a manifestation.
Unemployment, poverty and low level of social security are known to
be among the causes promoting radicalization and terrorism.
Support of social sector growth in developing countries would be a key
and the most effective way to promote an overall stability.
Alongside with this, it is likewise important to give an utmost attention
to expansion of trade and economic ties and mobilization of new technologies
to developing countries.
It will certainly enable and build a capacity of these countries to
penetrate into the global market bringing in competitive commodities.
The developed countries of the Islamic world, which possess immense
financial and investment opportunities, as well as technological capacity,
could play an effective role in this practice.
The 2030 Global Agenda’s noble goals aimed at helping the countries to
embark on a pathway of sustainable development double our responsibility
to make sure we create good and decent future for the generations to come.
We need to rely on mutual support and strong global partnership as we
move forward towards the achievement of these global objectives.
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Excellencies,
In conclusion, I wish to once again highlight the growing importance of
dialogue of civilizations based on equality and mutual respect, tolerance and
transparency, unity of our words and deeds.
I do hope that the outcomes of our Summit will be successful and meet
the hopes and expectations of peoples for the peace and stability in our
countries.
Thank you for your attention!
LESSON XIV. FOREIGN POLICY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN
The foreign policy is one of the primary directions of state policy and
the activity of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. Taking look at 29
years history of independence of the country, we see what valuable works
done in this important direction and how large numbers of initiatives are
implemented on the international arena for the enhancement of the
country’s potential.
Tajik diplomacy played a pivotal role in the period of independence in
resolving the most vital challenges of the nation – ending internal conflict
through the establishment of negotiations with opposition, elimination of
consequences of the civil war with the help and support of the world
community, development and expansion of economic cooperation with
foreign partners and attraction of foreign investments to diverse projects in
the country.
Over the last decade, owing to ‚open door‛ policy and an involvement
of a broad range of countries into fruitful collaboration, numerous projects
are implemented in the country in the fields of industry, energy and
communication which have laid down a solid and staunch ground for
sustainable development of state.
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Another direction of an utmost significance is the active engagement of
Tajikistan in addressing international and regional issues where Tajikistan
has made vivid achievements. Achievements include particularly our
country’s initiative in efficient water and energy resources management,
fighting international terrorism, extremism and illicit drug trafficking, as well
as overcoming Afghanistan’s challenges which are widely supported by the
global community and are being gradually implemented.
Along with this breakthrough, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the
key implementing body of foreign policy of the country, diplomatic missions
abroad and other public institutions which are responsible for cooperation
with our overseas partners still have many tasks to do. Currently, the most
important task is a comprehensive use of opportunities of foreign partners
and allies in the realization of three strategic objectives of state, including
food security, energy security and breaking the communication deadlock.
The achievement of these noble and determining goals will promote our
country’s growth and secure a new level of progress.
Another primary task of this body is protection of rights and interests of
Tajikistan citizens abroad. Relevant agencies and departments should apply
all possible opportunities for the execution of this duty in order to secure safe
stay of our nationals in foreign countries.
The ‚open-door‛ policy enabled us to expand a scope of relations with
foreign nations and increase a number of our traditional and permanent
partners. In this context, we still have a lot of tasks ahead and our economic
diplomacy should play more decisive role.
Cooperation with international and regional organizations, as well as
global financial institutions despite previous achievements needs more
serious attention and a broad view. We have to take into account tremendous
potential of these institutions and establish effective system of cooperation
and partnership. At this juncture, in coordination with the national interests
of our country we need to recognize the changing status of the world and
conflict of interests, balance of powers and other phenomena which affect the
global processes.
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Vocabulary note
implementation реализачия
enhancement улушшение, to enhance – улушшать,
увелишивать.
pivotal основной, pivotal task – основная
задаша.
fruitful collaboration плодотворное сотруднишество
utmost высший, велишайший, to be of the
utmost important – быть крайне
важным.
vivid яркий, отшжтливый, vivid
achievement – важное достижение.
breakthrough прорыв, along with this
breakthrough – наряду с этим
прорывом
communication deadlock коммуникачионная блокада
juncture соединение, at this juncture – в
данный момент.

A
fruitful pivotal opportunities addressed

collaboration
implemented neutral relations primary main
directions
1. The foreign policy is one of the ____________ of state policy and the
activity of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.
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2. During the Independence years, Tajikistan has achieved to great success
and _________ several initiatives on the international arena.
3. Tajik diplomacy played a _________ role in the period of independence
in resolving the most vital challenges of the nation.
4. Owing to ‚open door‛ policy Tajikistan has established
_______________ with foreign countries and implemented numerous
projects.
5. The most important task is a comprehensive use of ___________ of
foreign partners and allies in the realization of three strategic objectives
of state.
Comprehension check: True/False/Not Given.

B
1. _____ The foreign policy is one of the primary directions of any

Government’s policy and the activity of the Ministry of foreign affairs
of the Republic of Tajikistan.
2. _____ After gaining Independence, the paramount task of Tajik
diplomacy was resolving internal conflict in the country.
3. _____ Due to ‚open door‛ policy Tajikistan has become a full member
of international alliances.
4. _____ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a key role in achieving
country’s strategic objectives including resolving internal conflict,
enhancing country’s economic potential and opening new job places.
5. _____ In this global world, Tajikistan, in coordination with the national
interests of our country, needs to recognize the changing status of the
world and conflict of interests, balance of powers and other phenomena
which affect the global processes.
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C Comprehension tests:Put a circle around the letter of the right answer
1. What ability must a diplomat have?
a) ability to compose his thoughts in a clear, concise, and interesting

way
b) creative abilities
c) intellectual abilities
d) ability for playing a tennis
2. Tajik diplomacy played a pivotal role in the period of independence in

resolving _______________.
a) the most vital challenges of the nation – ending internal conflict

through the establishment of negotiations with opposition
b) attracting foreign investment to the country’s economy
c) negotiations with Russian Federation about 201 Military base in
the territory of Tajikistan
d) establishing fruitful relations with Arab world
3. Owing to __________ policy, numerous projects are implemented in the

country in the fields of industry, energy and communication.
a) ‚clean hands‛
b) ‚shuttle diplomacy‛
c) ‚equal relations‛
d) ‚open door‛
4. What is a diplomat’s work closely linked to?

a) knowledge of 10 foreign languages
b) art of conducting business forums
c) being able both in writing and speaking arts
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d) none is correct
5. The ‚open-door‛ policy _________ Tajikistan to expand relations with

foreign nations and increase a number of traditional and permanent
partners.
a) enabled
b) has accelerated
c) mitigated
d) required
1. What does ‚open door‛ policy mean?

2. How many countries have established diplomatic relations with
Tajikistan?
3. What are the international initiatives of Tajikistan in resolving water
issues?
4. What is the role of Tajikistan in resolving Afghanistan’s problems?
5. Speak on the topic of ‚Tajikistan in the system of international
relations‛.
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LESSON XV. INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES OF TAJIKISTAN.

Part I.
Having entered the international scene as an independent state,

Republic of Tajikistan, while solving internal affairs and difficulties,
consistently began to draw the attention of the international community to
the issues that have a significant impact on the world’s peace and stability,
living environment, economic growth and other aspects of humanity’s life.
Thereby, the initiatives of Tajikistan related to the effective water
resources management for the benefit of the people and countries, with no
harm for the nature and environment, have a great importance and have been
supported by the international community. In finding solution to regional
water issues, Tajikistan promotes internationally recognized principles and
approaches of equitable and rational use of water resources. Being initiator of
numerous proposals in this area, it calls for regional system on an integrated
water resources management network.
On October 1, 1999, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali
Rahmon in his address to the 54th Session of the UN General Assembly
proposed to declare the year 2003 as the International Year of Fresh Water.
Based on this initiative, on September 20, 2000, the year 2003 at the 55-th
Session of the UN General Assembly was declared as the International Year
of Fresh Water.
Within the framework of arrangements devoted to the International
Year of Fresh Water International Forum on fresh water was held in
Dushanbe on August 29 - September 1, 2003. The President of the Republic of
Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon proposed during this Forum to declare the years
2005-2015 as the International Decade for Action ‚Water for life‛. This
initiative was highly supported by the participants of the Forum. On
December 23, 2003, based on Dushanbe Declaration, the UN General
Assembly adopted a respective Resolution and announced 2005-2015 as the
International Decade for Action ‚Water for life‛.
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On the basis of the mentioned Resolution, the Government of Tajikistan
in cooperation with the UN institutions and other international organizations
held International Conference on Regional Cooperation in Trans-boundary
River Basins on May 30 – June 1, 2005. This Conference became a good
linking device between two important events – the 3rd World Water Forum
in 2003 in Kyoto and the 4th World Water Forum in 2006 in Mexico. Republic
of Tajikistan, as a country that was an initiator of two significant Resolutions
of the UN General Assembly declaring the International Year of Fresh Water
and the International Decade for Action ‚Water for life‛ (2005-2015), has
shown serious commitment to the successful implementation and promotion
of objectives of the Decade. Nowadays, the increase of water related natural
disasters has become a serious challenge. In order to draw the attention of
governments, international organizations and donors to this problem, the
Government of Tajikistan held International Conference on Water Related
Disasters Reduction within the framework of the Decade on 27-29 June, 2008.
In the process of discussion and considerations which took place during the
Conference, new suggestions and recommendations were made and
enshrined in the final document – Dushanbe Declaration 2008.
Along with this, it should be mentioned that the initiative of the
Republic of Tajikistan on devoting the second part of the International
Decade for Action ‚Water for life‛ (2005-2015) to the increase of assistance to
poor and developing countries was widely supported by the participants.
Proposal on ensuring fresh drinking water supply to the countries of Central
Asia through establishing International Consortium on utilization of waters
of Sarez Lake met support as well.
In the 60th Session of the UN General Assembly it was proposed that the
International Conference in Tajikistan, as in the country – initiator of the
declaration of the International Decade for Action ‚Water for life‛ (2005-
2015), the Conference should be held and used for assessment of the results of
actions taken, review of the International Decade and dissemination of
information about the achievements of the Decade for encouraging the
international community.
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Vocabulary notes:
internal affairs внутренние дела

significant impact знашительное влияние
international community международное сообщество
respective соответствующий, in their respective
place – каждый на свожм месте
enshrined закрепленное
to devote посвящать, syn. to dedicate

A
draw internal affairs establish problems Kyoto
Seoul ensure declare international propose
community
1. While solving ____________ and difficulties, Tajikistan consistently

began to ________ the attention of the international community to the
issues of world’s peace and stability, living environment, economic
growth and other aspects of humanity’s life.
2. Tajikistan’s initiatives have a great importance and have been
supported by the _______________.
3. The President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon
__________ during this Forum to _________ the years 2005-2015 as the
International Decade for Action ‚Water for life‛.
4. Proposal on ________ fresh drinking water supply to the countries of
Central Asia through _________ International Consortium on utilization
of waters of Sarez Lake met support as well.
5. The 3rd World Water Forum in 2003 was held in ________.
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1. ______ Internal and external affairs are related to each other.

2. ______Tajikistan’s initiative in building peace in Afghanistan is only
supported by member states of European Union.
3. ______The 55th session of General Assembly declared 2003 as the
International Year of Fresh Water.
4. ______The President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon
proposed during Dushanbe Forum to declare the years 2005-2015 as the
International Decade for Action ‚Water for sustainable development‛.
5. ______International Organization on utilization of waters of Sarez Lake
warmly welcomed by foreign countries.
Comprehension tests:
1. After getting Independence, Tajikistan started to _______ the attention

world countries to the issues of climate change, water related issues
and as well the Afghan problem.
a) participate
b) engage
c) draw
d) attract
2. Tajikistan was the initiator of International Decade for Action ‚Water

for life‛ for 2005-2015 in the framework of _________.
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a) Shanghai Cooperation Organization
b) Central European Free Trade Association
c) United Nations
d) Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
3. The 3rd World Water Forum in 2003 was held in ________.

a) Paris
b) Kyoto
c) Tokyo
d) New York
4. On _________, 2008 the Government of Tajikistan held International

Conference on Water Related Disasters Reduction within the
framework of the Decade.
a) 27-29 June, 2008
b) 9-11 June, 2015
c) 20-21 August, 2013
d) 13-14 September, 2014
5. Tajikistan calls for regional system on an integrated _______ resources

management network.
a) water
b) energy
c) oil
d) uranium
1. What do you know about the international initiatives of the Republic of

Tajikistan in the framework of United Nations?
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2. How can you explain the co-relations of internal and external relations
of any state?
3. When did Tajikistan propose the International Year of Fresh Water and
in framework of which international organization?
4. What do you know about International Consortium on utilization of
waters of Sarez lake? Can Sarez lake be a reason for water related
problems in Central Asian region? Explain with your own words.
5. What kind programs have implemented in Tajikistan by United
Nations during International Decade for Action ‚Water for life‛ for
2005-2015?
LESSON XVI. INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES OF TAJIKISTAN. Part II.
Another scope of international initiatives by Tajikistan is a solution for

security issues, fight against modern threats and challenges as terrorism,
extremism and drug trafficking. Maintaining peace and security in a
neighboring country – Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is one of the most
important matters in this scope.
In the framework of proposals and initiatives of the President of the
Republic of Tajikistan on restoring peace and security in Afghanistan, it has
to be noted that border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan compose almost
1400 km of length. Hence, establishing peace and stability in this neighboring
country is one of the main factors of maintaining security in countries of the
region, such as Tajikistan. Taking into account the fact, that Afghanistan has
been long prevailed by conflict and clashes between belligerent parties and
solution of the problem of this country by military means is not possible, the
President of the Republic of Tajikistan has drawn the attention of the
international community to economic and social reconstruction of the
neighboring country. Tajikistan aimed at illustrating achievements in this
direction by practical results. Five small and large bridges have been
constructed with the support of Agha-Khan Foundation and the Government
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of the USA on Panj river that play significant role in finding solution to
difficulties of Afghan population residing in border areas, including finding
jobs, having better access to food products, medicine, and getting treatment
in hospitals and clinics of border territory in Tajikistan. After construction of
these bridges, markets in border areas of Badakhshan Autonomous region of
Tajikistan have been opened and increased considerably exchange of goods.
Particularly after launching a large motor bridge ‚Panji Poyon – Bandari
Sherkhon‛ (2007) commodity turnover between Tajikistan and Afghanistan
increased in several times.
For an implementation of such visions, Tajikistan has proposed a
number of regional communication projects that their realization shall link
Afghanistan with neighboring countries through motor and railways, and
will easily open ways to south and north, particularly to the gulfs.
Another proposal of the President of Tajikistan is related to regional
energy project CASA-1000 (CASAREM) that was signed by four Central and
South Asian countries - Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan in
2007. Its construction has started on May 12, 2016. In the scope of this project
electricity shall be exported to Afghanistan and Pakistan that serves, first of
all, the aim of establishing peace, stability, wellbeing and economic
restoration in neighboring country.
It should be recalled that back in 1998 the President of Tajikistan
Emomali Rahmon, delivering a speech at the UN General Assembly session,
encouraged the world community to build unbreakable obstruction titled
“security area” or “security belt” around Afghanistan to prevent illicit drug
trafficking and its distribution beyond the border of this country.
It has to be underlined, that Tajikistan makes also suggestions on
supporting Afghanistan in the framework of the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), southern participating-states of which
share border with Afghanistan. Tajik President has repeatedly emphasized
that encouraging Afghanistan in the OSCE activities is essential for providing
more assistance in restoring peace and stability in this country. In the result
of efforts taken by the leadership of the country, today Afghanistan takes part
in the OSCE activities as a partner state. In order to improve the situation in
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Afghanistan it was suggested that OSCE participating states take active part
in securing the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. As an outcome,
OSCE Border Management Staff College was established in Dushanbe. Law
Enforcement Officers of Afghanistan take part in the training programs of
this college. In the scope of these training programs practical exercises are
also conducted in the area of ‚Panji Poyon‛ bridge with participation of
relevant bodies of Afghanistan.
On the initiative of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan new
format of cooperation between Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Iran was formed
and summits of this ‚trio‛ consider the difficulty of Afghanistan as highest
priority.
In order to enhance efforts on restoration of lasting peace and overall
stability in Afghanistan and cooperation with this country, the first meeting
of heads of states of Tajikistan, Russia, Afghanistan and Pakistan
(‚Dushanbe Quadrilateral Summit‛) was held in Dushanbe in 2009. Prior to
this, a joint meeting of leaders of Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan, first of
all, aimed at seeking additional ways to influence finding solution to the
issue of Afghanistan, took place.
Vocabulary notes:
scope сфера деятельности, контекст,

рамка
drug trafficking распространение наркотиков
long prevailed преобладание што-либо долгое
время, prevail - преобладать
belligerent parties воюющие стороны
exchange of goods обмен товаров
commodity turnover Товарооборот
security belt пояс безопасности
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A
exchange of maintain illicit drug hydro power economic
goods trafficking station
military military terrorism and Build bridge
cooperation extremism
1. Establishing peace and stability in Afghanistan is one of the main

factors of ________ security in countries of the Central Asia region.
2. Solution of Afghan problem is not possible by ________ means.
3. ____________ have been considerably increased after construction of
bridges in border areas.
4. In order to prevent ______________ the President of Tajikistan Emomali
Rahmon encouraged the world community to build unbreakable
obstruction titled ‚security area‛ or ‚security belt‛ around Afghanistan.
5. Panji – Poyon is a _________ that links the territories of Tajikistan and
Afghanistan.
1. _____ Terrorism, extremism and illicit drug trafficking are most

dangerous challenges that Afghanistan faces today.
2. _____ Border Management Staff College was established in Dushanbe
by the support of Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
3. _____ After the construction of Panji Poyon bridge military assistance
from Tajikistan to Afghanistan has increased in several times.
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4. _____ CASA-1000 is aimed to sell energy in spring and summer periods
to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
5. _____ Trilateral cooperation was initiated by the President of Tajikistan
Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe.
Comprehension tests:
1. Only possible way of resolving Afghan conflict is ________.

a) military cooperation of belligerent parties
b) economic and social development
c) cooperation with international organizations
d) launching war
2. Panji Poyon is a bridge between the territories of _________.

a) Tajikistan and Uzbekistan
b) China and Tajikistan
c) Tajikistan and Afghanistan
d) India and Pakistan
3. OSCE Border Management Staff College was opened in _________.

a) Brussels
b) Vienna
c) Moscow
d) Dushanbe
4. CASA-100 is aimed to expert energy from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to

___________.
a) Southeast East countries
b) Afghanistan and Pakistan
c) Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
d) India and Pakistan
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5. The participants of ‚Dushanbe Quadrilateral Summit‛ are __________.

a) Afghanistan and 4 Central Asian countries
b) Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Russia and Pakistan
c) Russia, China, USA and Afghanistan
d) Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan
6. What has increased the trade-turnover of Afghanistan and Tajikistan in

recent years?
a) opening high-way
b) construction of railway with Afghanistan
c) opening 5 new bridges including Panji Poyon.
d) economic and military cooperation
1. Who is the initiator of Dushanbe Trilateral Summit in resolving Afghan

conflict?
2. What should be done in order to restore the peace and stability in
Afghanistan?
3. Is it possible to call all fighting groups in Afghanistan to the
cooperation under the patronage of any international or regional
organizations?
4. What should be done in social and economic spheres of Afghanistan if
it is the last variant of restoring peace and stability?
5. How do you estimate the geopolitical role of Afghanistan?
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CHAPTER II.
CONFERENCE DIPLOMACY
2.1. CONFERENCE DIPLOMACY
The object of conferences is to discuss problems and find solutions that are
so far as possible acceptable to all participants, and this process is carried on
by the traditional methods of diplomacy. However, the flourishing of
multilateral diplomacy since the foundation of the United Nations has
resulted in a proliferation of international organizations, conferences and
committees, and has brought with it an additional dimension to traditional
diplomacy: the phenomenon of group voting. Group interest does not
normally override national interest, but where the national interest is not
strong the group policy will be followed, mainly on the reasoning that
strength lies in numbers and in unity, but also because many states with the
right to vote do not have the staff to research every issue that comes before
them. It is also a particularly useful system for prearranging the election of
officers and generally exchanging information on matters of mutual concern.
The fundamental types of groups are:
 Political and cultural;

 Economic development;
 Regional;
 Economic treaty-linked states.
Among the major groups at the present time are:
 African group
 Asian group
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 The European Union
 Group of Arab States
 Group of 77 (developing countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America,
now over a hundred in number)
 Latin-American group
There are in addition ad hoc groups which form to protect their common
interests in specific matters. For example in the law of the sea conferences
members of the same political or regional group opposed each other in the
Continental Shelf group, the group of territorialists (200 mile territorial sea),
the fishing states group and the various other ad hoc groups that came
together on this particular issue.
For a comprehensive study of conference practice and procedure,
conference management and conference diplomacy see Conference Diplomacy
by Johan Kaufmann (Leyden, Sijthoff).
2.2. GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES
International negotiation is a specialized form of bargaining: when it

takes the form of bilateral negotiation it may be relatively informal, but
multilateral negotiation is normally conducted on a formal conference basis.
As the range of international business has increased over recent years, so has
conference practice and procedure become to a greater extent refined and
standardized: that is a sort of science; and conference diplomacy, which is rather
more an art, has, like diplomacy in all its forms, adapted to changing
situations.
Conference practice and procedure are concerned with the commonly
accepted rules designed to ensure the most successful possible outcome of a
conference and the greatest degree of satisfaction to all participants; whereas
conference diplomacy is the expertise practiced by the individual delegate
who seeks to gain the maximum advantage for his country. It may be said
that the chairman or president of a conference requires a high degree of
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diplomacy to ensure a successful outcome of a conference, but as he also
needs to be well acquainted with practice and procedure his skill can be best
summed up in the term conference management.
International conferences can be classified in a number of ways. They

may be:
 bilateral or multilateral;
 single-subject or multi-subject;
 ad hoc or regular;
 those with a permanent secretariat and those without.
International conferences may also be classified in terms of the

objectives that they set out to achieve. These may be:
 to serve as a forum for the general discussion of a subject or subjects;

 to make non-binding recommendations to governments or international
organizations;
 to make decisions binding on governments (in most instances ad
referendum);
 to make decisions giving guidance or instructions to the secretariat of
an inter-governmental organization, or on the way in which a
program financed by governments should be administered, e.g. the
standing or executive committees of international organizations in the
interim between plenary sessions;
 to negotiate and draft a treaty or other formal international instrument;
 to provide an international exchange of information, e.g. UN Con-
ference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy;
 to provide for the pledging of voluntary contributions to international
programs, e.g. UN High Commission for Refugees; World Food
Programme.
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2.3. CONFERENCE PRACTICE AND RULES OF PROCEDURE
The first requirement of every formal conference is a set of written rules

that guide and determine the activities of the participants and to which the
chairman can refer in cases of doubt or dissent. These must either be standing
rules which, having been approved by a previous session, are accepted as
standard procedure by subsequent sessions, e.g. the rules of procedure of the
United Nations General Assembly; or they must be submitted to, and
approved by, the conference. In the latter instance they would be circulated
in draft form in advance, and would include the date and place of the
meeting, adequate advance notice of which must always be given.
THE AGENDA
The agenda of a conference lists the items of business that will be raised and
the order in which each item will be considered. A draft or provisional
agenda is normally prepared and circulated by the conveners or secretariat of
the conference and will, in the case of regular meetings, include (i) obligatory
items (e.g. the approval of the minutes of the previous meeting); (ii) items of
business left over from the previous session; and (iii) new submissions for
consideration. The agenda must be circulated sufficiently far in advance of
the conference to give participants time to study the various items of
business. Similarly, items to be included on the agenda must be sent to the
secretariat/conveners sufficiently early for them to be processed and the
participants notified.
For certain conferences (e.g. the UN General Assembly) it is obligatory for an
explanatory memorandum to be circulated in respect of each substantive item
on the agenda.
COMPOSITION OF DELEGATIONS
The composition of delegations is normally provided for in the Rules of

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Procedure. The United Nations recognizes representatives (maximum five)
and alternate representatives (maximum five), and as many advisers, experts,
etc., as are required.
CREDENTIALS
Credentials are provided in a document identifying a representative and

authorising him or her to act; they are usually verified by a credentials
committee which reports to the plenary meeting for approval. Credentials
must be issued by the proper authority and comply with the requirements of
the conference rules of procedure. Full powers are required in certain
instances, e.g. for adopting the text of a treaty. Paragraph 29 of the General
Assembly rules of procedure allows for the provisional admission of a
representative against whom objections have been raised.
OBSERVERS
The admission and status of observers depend on the rules of procedure of

the conference, but they do not in any circumstances have a vote. In the UN
General Assembly it is exceptional for observers to be permitted to join in the
discussions, but in the Security Council it is a common practice.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES AND WORKING LANGUAGES
Official languages are those in which texts and resolutions are published and
in which discussions are held. Working languages are those languages used
in discussion and from and into which interpretation is provided.
PUBLICITY
Conferences can be divided into three general categories: those that are
completely open and to which the public and media are invited; those that
are completely closed, the public and the media being provided with a final
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communiqué agreed by the participants; and those that are limited to the
participating members, the public and the media being informed by
individual participants by means of press conferences, television interviews
and other forms of publicity. In practice there is a spectrum of ad hoc
arrangements between the closed and the open conference (e.g. some sessions
may be open to the public and others not).
RECORDS
A fundamental requirement of any conference is that there should be no

doubt as to what has, and what has not, been agreed. For this purpose
records of the proceedings are invariably kept and are agreed as correct by
the participants. The records kept can be divided into three categories:
(a) verbatim records (manual or audio);

(b) summary records, usually prepared by the secretariat, and supervised by a
rapporteur;
(c) the texts of resolutions only.
Participants normally have the right and opportunity to make minor

alterations to improve the presentation but not the substance of a report of
their intervention when it is circulated in draft form; this applies particularly
in respect of verbatim reports.
THE RIGHTS OF PARTICIPANTS
The rights of participants as well as the limitations on their activities are

usually specified in the rules of procedure; and are subject always to the
proviso that it is the task of the presiding officer to ensure that the conference
reaches a satisfactory conclusion, and that the business of the meeting is not
deliberately or needlessly obstructed. These rights are usually: the right to
speak once on each question under discussion, the right to make a point of
order (usually an objection to the remarks of a participant which are
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considered offensive or irrelevant); the right to make a procedural motion (a
procedural motion relates to the conduct of the meeting and must
immediately be put to the vote by the presiding officer); and the right to reply
to another speaker.
MAKING PROPOSALS AND TAKING DECISIONS
Decisions at conferences are normally taken on the basis of written proposals

submitted for consideration by one or more participants: these are referred to
as draft resolutions. In the UN they take the form of a preamble and an
operative section; and they are normally required to be submitted with an
explanatory memorandum.
Amendments and sub-amendments to draft resolutions may be proposed
(and may subsequently be withdrawn) before voting takes place. Voting is
firstly on sub-amendments; secondly on 'the amendment furthest removed in
substance from the original proposal' (UN General Assembly rule 92) when
two or more amendments relate to the same text; and finally on the draft
resolution as amended. Amendments cannot negate the substance of a
resolution: they must add to, delete from or revise part of a proposal.
Explanations of vote, i.e. a verbal statement given by a participant explaining
why his vote has been cast in a particular way, are normally permitted, as are
motions for division, which provide for separate voting on separate sections of
a resolution in the event of this being specifically provided for.
VOTING QUORUMS AND MAJORITY REQUIREMENTS
Voting is usually on the basis of a simple majority (i.e. over half) of the
representatives present and voting; in certain instances (often for important
questions) the rules of procedure may specify a two-thirds majority (i.e. two-
thirds or more) of the representatives present and voting; or alternatively a
simple or two-thirds majority of total membership.
Normally each country has one vote, but systems of weighted voting exist
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in, for example, the ILO and the IMF (in accordance with their rules of
procedure), whereby certain categories of participants or certain countries
having a greater financial or practical stake in the matter in question have
more votes than others.
Rules of procedure normally provide for two specific quorums:
(a) the minimum number of members or participants who must be present for
a vote to take place;
(b) the minimum number required to be present for business to proceed.
Voting in the Security Council is on the basis of two categories of

representatives: permanent members and non-permanent members. In the
General Assembly, where each country has one vote, a resolution on which
there is an equally divided vote is voted on at a second meeting held within
forty-eight hours, and is rejected if the votes are again equal. This procedure
does not apply to the elections of officers.
Votes may be counted in various ways: by a show of hands, a roll call, by
members standing or pressing a button, by secret ballot or by postal ballot.
DETERMINING PROPOSALS BY CONSENSUS
It is unnecessary to go to the extent of casting votes on certain proposals - for

example that the Conference should adjourn for lunch: the president decides
that there is a consensus of opinion among the representatives that they are
feeling hungry, and accordingly proposes that they should do so. This is a
consensus decision without a resolution: it is based on an assumption by the
presiding officer of what is sufficiently self-evident not to warrant taking up
the time of the meeting on preparing a resolution, and is particularly
applicable to procedural decisions. It is also a device that may be adopted by
the presiding officer if he judges that the absence of a resolution is the best
political solution to a particularly delicate situation and would be accepted as
such by the participants.
A consensus decision with a resolution falls within the same category but is
slightly more formal. It is for routine and non-controversial items, and for
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those items to which a minority of representatives object, but would rather
not be seen to object through the publicity of a vote. The term ‚consensus‛ is
also used to an increasing extent in various inter-governmental organizations
as an extension of the term 'unanimity'; implying that:
(a) all delegates have had an opportunity of expressing their point of view
before final approval is given, and
(b) although they may not be entirely in favor of a draft resolution, all
delegates consider it advisable, on balance, not to force the issue by
opposing it.
SUBCOMMITTEES AND WORKING PARTIES
It is common practice for conferences to resolve themselves into sub-

committees or working parties in order to deal with separate issues of a
problem, and then to consider their reports at plenary sessions. They may
also provide a useful means of making recommendations on highly
specialised subjects; and in cases where a conference meets at lengthy
intervals are a means whereby business can be continued during the
intervening periods.
THE ELECTION OF THE OFFICIALS
The president, vice-president(s) and, where applicable, the rapporteur

assume their functions either by election (as is the case in the majority of
conferences) or by rotation (as the chairmanship of the Security Council). In
an ad hoc conference the representative of the country in which the conference
is being held is normally the provisional chairman.
SEATING, PROTOCOL, ORDER OF PRECEDENCE, ETC.
In bilateral conferences normal diplomatic protocol is customarily observed.

In multilateral conferences precedence is normally based on the alphabetical
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order of name of country (in English or French). In the UN General Assembly
the point of seniority in the alphabetical order varied for each session.
2.4. CONFERENCE MANAGEMENT.

THE ROLE OF PRESIDING OFFICERS
There is a close parallel between the role of the presiding officer and
that of the football referee. Each has the lonely and responsible task of
supervising the interplay of skills and techniques between professional
players each seeking to gain the maximum advantage; and within a given
space of time he has to ensure that the game is played according to the rules
and that the final decision is accepted by all the participants. He is provided
with a book of rules (the rules of procedure) but his authority, though
theoretically supreme, can have no substance unless he is able, by his
sensitivity and diplomacy, to persuade those concerned that it is in their own
interests to accept it and abide by his decisions.
The functions of the presiding officer fall into two categories: procedural
and substantive.
1. Procedural functions
(a) Opening, closing and adjourning meetings.

(b) Calling on representatives to speak.
(c) Limiting the length of speeches if necessary, or if the rules so require.
(d) Giving rulings on points of order and points of procedure.
(e) Clarifying points where necessary.
(f) Calling for the termination of irrelevant remarks.
(g) Ensuring that the business of the meeting is carried out.
2. Substantive functions
(a) Carrying out ad hoc functions which the meeting entrusts to the Presiding
Officer's discretion (e.g. the appointment of countries/ members to new
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committees);
(b) Acting as mediator, and assisting the conference to reach a conclusion.
This may take the form of:
 permitting time for informal discussions;

 promoting informal discussions in which he does not participate;
 promoting informal discussions and participating in them;
 holding discussions with individual representatives to see if he can find
sufficient common ground to overcome an impasse.
The increasing impact of multilateral organizations on international

relations has resulted in the need - and opportunity - for the Presiding Officer
to play a much more active role than previously. Delegates gather not so
much to play an adversarial role as to seek solutions - not all of which will
meet the objectives of their individual countries, but which provide the most
satisfactory result for the members of the organization as a whole. They
undertake an exercise in Positive Diplomacy, and the Presiding Officer, aware
of this sense of purpose, is, to an increasing extent, able to submit a draft
resolutions for initial consideration and - with the blessed invention of the
word processor - to proceed virtually without interruption to sponsor a
whole series of amended drafts until a final version is produced of which
nobody may really approve wholeheartedly but one to which nobody is
prepared to object: a process of consensus-building and eventually of nemine
contradicente.
THE SECRETARIAT
The secretariat provides the administrative backing to a conference; not only

to the presiding officer and representatives during the conference, but in
preparation for the conference and on its conclusion. If the secretariat is a
permanent one it also continues its administrative functions between
meetings, when it may assume a largely executive role, acting on the general
or specific guidance of its governing body.
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Before a conference, and assuming that the place of meeting has been
determined, the secretariat will be mainly concerned with invitations,
protocol, reception and hospitality, transport, liaison with local authorities,
and the arrangement of the conference hall down to the last microphone,
pencil and cup of coffee; but above all it will be concerned with the
preparation and distribution of the agenda (or draft agenda) and the agenda
papers, together with the rules of procedure for the conference where
applicable.
While the conference is in progress the secretariat will be responsible
for its entire administration, including the provision of translators and the
keeping of such records of the proceedings as may be specified by the rules of
procedure or required by the presiding officer. A considerable number of
documents is invariably required for circulation at all stages of the
proceedings - draft resolutions in particular - and typists are normally
available at all reasonable hours. After the close of the conference there are
two major tasks apart from the general clearing-up operations: the circulation
of the Report of the Proceedings (the minutes or procès-verbale): these are
often circulated in draft in the first instance (and nearly always so in the case
of verbatim reports) so that participants may correct minor errors of
punctuation, spelling or grammar (but not change the substance of their
intervention); and putting into effect the various decisions that have been
reached at the conference.
The head of the secretariat in many instances has certain specific
functions that he is required to perform and these are usually set out in the
rules of procedure. These may relate to the submission of periodic reports,
the presentation of accounts, and matters relating to the staff.
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Appendix
GLOSSARY OF THE MOST USEFUL

DIPLOMATIC TERMS AND EXPRESSIONS
A
Accreditation
Procedure by which a State, before sending an ambassador asks the State in
which this ambassador is to take up residence (the receiving State) if the
appointed person is acceptable as a persona grata and, if so, for the
agreement of the receiving State. Agreement is the term used for the consent
of the receiving State.
Acting high commissioner

(1) The diplomat who acts as the head of a high commission during the high
commissioner’s temporary absence or pending the arrival of a new high
commissioner. The receiving states foreign ministry must be informed of the
appointment of an acting high commissioner by the high commissioner or, if
that is not possible, by the sending state’s foreign ministry. As is implied, the
term Chargé d’affaires ad interim is not used in high commissions. (2) Where a
high commissioner is non-resident in a particular capital, but an office of the
high commission is maintained there, its head (if not of a very junior
capacity) is likely to be designated acting high commissioner.
Acting permanent representative

The member of a permanent mission who, during the temporary absence of
the permanent representative, acts as such. As is therefore implied, the term
Chargé d’affaires ad interim is not used in permanent missions.
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Ad hoc diplomacy
A term which is sometimes used to refer to diplomacy conducted by
intermittent or sporadic means, such as a roving ambassador or a special
mission. It is therefore to be distinguished from the conduct of diplomacy
through resident and permanent missions.
Ad hoc diplomat
This phrase does not have a specialized meaning. It is sometimes used: (1) as
a way of describing the role played by the holders of political office – the
head of government, for example, or the minister for foreign affairs – when
they are engaged in diplomatic activity. Such activity might take place at a
summit meeting, an international organization, or at an international
conference; and (2) to designate the members of a special mission.
Administrative and technical staff

A category identified by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
(1961) within what used to be called the ‚ambassador’s suite‛, these are the
members of the staff of a diplomatic mission who carry out, for example,
interpreting, secretarial, clerical, financial, and communications tasks. They
are distinguished from the diplomatic staff on the one hand and the service
or domestic staff on the other but, controversially, was given by the Vienna
Convention (together with their immediate families) almost the same range
of privileges and immunities as the former, and certainly all of the important
ones.
Agenda
(1) The list of topics to be discussed in a negotiation. This is itself an
important subject in pre-negotiations, when the order in which topics are to
be taken as well as the nature of the topics themselves should be agreed. (2)
In the phrase ‚hidden agenda‛, the term has the related meaning of ‚aims‛;
hence hidden or secret aims.
Agent
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(1) In conjunction with ‚diplomatic‛, the term used to refer to a diplomat. (2)
A representative who lacks diplomatic status. (3) An abbreviated way of
referring to a secret agent.
Agreement
Whenever the term is used with a degree of formality, a name often given to
certain treaties. It is generally employed with regard to those which are
relatively informal in expression, limited in scope, and do not have many
parties.
Agrément
Earlier described as ‚agréation”, the formal agreement by a receiving state to
accept a named individual as head of a diplomatic mission. Obtaining such
agreement before an individual is dispatched (in practice, before a name is
publicly announced) is a firm requirement under the Vienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations (1961). A refusal of agrément may be prompted by
objections either to the personal character or past record of the proposed new
head of mission. This does not require justification, but often comes out.
Aide-mémoire
A written statement of a government’s attitude on a particular question
which is left by a diplomatic agent with the interlocutor, typically a ministry
official, to whom an oral presentation has just been made. Occasionally
known as a pro-memoria or simply as a ‚memorandum‛, it is usually handed
over in person by the diplomat at the end of the interview, or if necessary
delivered shortly afterwards with a covering note attached. As a result, the
aide-mémoire has no need for marks of provenance or courtesy and bears little
resemblance to a note. It has no address or embassy stamp, contains no
salutations, and is unsigned. Instead, the classic aide-mémoire is simply
headed Aide-Mémoire and dated at the end.
Alliance
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A treaty entered into by two or more states to engage in cooperative military
action in specified circumstances. In the second half of the twentieth century,
as the consequences of war came to seem more apocalyptic, alliances were
increasingly concluded in the hope of deterring the outbreak of war rather
than with a ready willingness to fight in one. Accordingly (and also for
strategic reasons), these recent alliances have, from the time of their making,
involved detailed contingency planning and complex organizational
arrangements. The hallmark of an alliance, compared to an entente, is the
precision of its commitments.
Alphabetical seating
When seating arrangements at an international organization or meeting are
arranged alphabetically, each participating or member state is placed on the
basis of its own rendering, in the relevant language, of its name, such
rendering being conveyed by the state to the secretariat of the organization or
meeting in question.
Ambassador
A diplomatic agent of the highest rank. More particularly the title is used: (1)
In most cases, to designate the head of a diplomatic mission to a foreign state
where that head, as among heads of mission, falls into the first diplomatic
class.
Annual review
The end-of-year report which the ambassadors in some diplomatic services
are expected to submit on recent and anticipated developments in the
country to which they are posted. In British practice, where the annual
review is cast in the form of a dispatch, it is also usual for it to contain a
quantified account of the degree of success achieved during the year in
meeting the mission’s formal ‚objectives‛ and give recommendations for
future policy.
Appeasement
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The policy of trying to satisfy another state by agreeing to a number of its
demands. Since the unfortunate experience of the British Prime Minister,
Neville Chamberlain, at the hands of Hitler in the late 1930s, it has come to
mean the dishonorable course of seeking peace at any price. Being charged
with appeasement is an occupational hazard which diplomats tend to run.
Attaché
The lowest rank of diplomatic staff. It can be cultural, military, political and
also in the spheres of mutual interest.
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B
Balance of power
(1) The distribution of power between states at any given time. (2) An
international distribution of power favoring the supporters of the status quo
and thereby likely to deter any revisionist state or alliance of states from
attacking them. In reality a preponderance of power in favor of the former,
this is described as an ‚equilibrium‛ in order to avoid provoking the latter.
Base, foreign military

That part of the territory of a sovereign state which is made available for use
by the military forces of a foreign state, and is sufficiently extensive and
distinguishable to be termed a base. The terms and conditions on which it
may be so used will have been agreed by the host and the foreign state.
Belligerent
(1) A state engaged in war. (2) An insurgent group which has been granted
the status of belligerency.
Bilateral diplomacy
(1) The conduct of diplomatic relations between two states through formally
accredited missions, though one or even both of these missions may be
physically located in a neighboring state. In this sense, bilateral diplomacy is
identical to ‘traditional diplomacy’, and has a strong emphasis on written
communications. The principle of reciprocity has a strong influence on the
conduct of bilateral diplomacy and, at least in more recent times, has
generated considerable pressure for equivalent levels of representation in
each state.
Bipartisan foreign policy

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In a representative democracy with a two-party system, a foreign policy
supported by both major parties.
Boycott
The refusal to have dealings with, for example, a particular state or to buy
some or all of its products. Such acts are intended as a protest against certain
of the state’s policies, and/or as a means of inducing it to change certain of its
ways.
Buffer zone
An area lying between two hostile (and often recently belligerent) states or
groups in which neither of them maintains armed forces. There is thus a
dividing zone of territory between their forces, which reduces the likelihood
of accidental conflict and may contribute to a calmer disposition on one or
both sides. However, to provide a form of guarantee that neither will take
advantage of the buffer zone by suddenly introducing its forces into it, a
neutral body – such as the United Nations – will very probably be asked to
establish a small and lightly-armed peacekeeping force in the zone.
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C
Career diplomacy
A personal rank which the president, with the advice and consent of the
Senate, can confer on a career member of the senior US Foreign Service in
recognition of especially distinguished service over a sustained period. This
power was given to the president under the Foreign Service Act (1980).
Career consular officer

Until about the middle of the twentieth century, a permanent member of a
consular service. Such an officer was therefore to be distinguished from an
honorary consular officer. However, since then states have incorporated their
consular services within their diplomatic services, so that from time to time
many career diplomats now serve at a consular post or perform consular
functions within an embassy.
Career diplomat
A permanent member of a diplomatic service. A career diplomat is thus
different from an ad-hoc diplomat, a temporary diplomat, or a political
appointee.
Chargé d’affaires ad interim

The person acts as a head of mission (ambassador) when the post is vacant or
when the ambassador is temporarily absent from the country of residence or
unable to perform his or her duties.
Circular note
A diplomatic statement which is sent from one diplomatic mission to all other
diplomatic missions in receiving state.
Consensus
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Agreement on a given question. The consensus principle applies to decisions
taken in the framework of international conferences and organizations.
Consensus is often mistaken for unanimity. The two differ in that consensus
is the acceptance of a decision without a vote. If no State expressly declares
opposition then a consensus is said to have been reached. This permits one or
more States to make reservations without officially blocking consensus. In a
formal vote, a State with reservations would be forced to vote against the
proposal in question, thus preventing the adoption of the decision.
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)

An association of 12 of the sovereign states which emerged following the
break-up of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1991. Russia is its
leading member; the former Soviet Baltic republics have not joined. The CIS
provides a framework for such cooperative activity as can be agreed in the
three-monthly meetings of its heads of government, and in other ministerial
meetings. Its affairs are conducted on a multilateral basis rather than by
central institutions. Its headquarters is in Minsk, Belarus.
Communiqué
An agreed statement issued at the end of a summit meeting or other high-
level visit or multilateral conference. Occasionally described as declarations,
to which they certainly bear a family resemblance, communiqués are
designed to give the public some sense of what has been discussed under
each head on the agenda and also suggest the substance of any consensus
achieved on future policy.
Conference
Usually involving large delegations and having ambitious goals. They may
be bilateral or multilateral, ad hoc or permanent, held on neutral ground or
not, conducted at the summit or below, and concerned with any subject
imaginable.
Consensus decision – making

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In discussion of a subject in a multilateral forum where majority voting
would otherwise be used, the attempt to achieve the agreement of all
participants without the need for a vote, thereby avoiding the risk of
alienating weak majorities if the voting is weighted and powerful minorities
if it is not. A consensus exists when all parties are in agreement, which on the
face of it is another way of saying that they are unanimous.
Consul
An official appointed by a sovereign state to protect its commercial interests
and help its citizens in a foreign city. The office of consul and the concomitant
post of consulate are of great antiquity, the latter preceding resident
diplomatic missions. A consul must still be distinguished from a diplomat,
but during the second half of the twentieth century the distinction between
them became much less clear cut than formerly.
Consular officer
A person, including the head of a consular post, entrusted with the
performance of consular functions. Such officers may either be career
consular officers or honorary consular officers.
Consular privileges and immunities

These are set out in the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963),
which has been widely accepted. In general, this provides career consular
officers with immunity from the jurisdiction of the receiving state in respect
of their official acts but (unlike diplomatic agents) not in respect of their
private acts. Consular premises and documents are inviolable, as are consular
communications.
Consular service
At one time some states had consular services which were separate from their
diplomatic services. (Occasionally, a state would even have a consular service
which specialized in just one area of the world.) In part this was because
diplomatic missions are only sent to capital cities, and in the heyday of
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colonialism there were large areas of the world to which such missions could
not be appointed, but in which some foreign states had important interests.
Separate consular services appear now to have been entirely extinguished –
largely because of the ending of colonialism. Instead, the members of a
diplomatic service are liable to serve in a consular capacity, and in consular
posts.
Convention
A synonym for treaty used most often for multilateral treaties of general
interest.
Correspondence
(1) Letters. (2) The exchange of letters. (3) In the phrase to ‚maintain a good
correspondence‛ which was current until the end of the eighteenth century, a
synonym for diplomatic relations.
Courtesy call
A visit made as a matter of courtesy by a newly arrived head of mission to
the foreign minister of the receiving state and, very possibly, to the head of
government (where he or she is not also head of state).
Credentials
Document from the head of the sending State to the head of the receiving
State attesting that the person designated as extraordinary and
plenipotentiary ambassador is entitled by his government to perform the
functions of head of mission.
There are no fixed rules regarding form but, as a rule, credentials should give
the name, titles, the specific characteristics and the general aim of the mission.
In the letter of credentials, the sending State asks that ‚credence be given to
what the agent says on behalf his government and to grant him a warm
reception‛. Credentials are handed personally by the ambassador of the
sending State to the head of the receiving State on the occasion of a ceremony
specifically for that purpose.
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D
Declaration
A document which is not meant to have the binding character of a treaty but
to have considerable political significance, e.g. the 1948 Universal Declaration
of Human Rights.
Demarcation
The drawing of a boundary on the ground between the territories of two
sovereign states.
Démarche
An initiative taken by a diplomat, which may be anything from a suggestion
to a threat.
Diplomatic agent
The head of a diplomatic mission or a member of its staff having diplomatic
status.
Diplomat
A person professionally engaged in the craft of diplomacy as a member of a
diplomatic service, whether any aptitude for the craft is displayed or not. A
diplomat may therefore be either a diplomatic agent or an official at a foreign
ministry.
Diplomatic archives
The records (in the pre-computer age, ‚papers‛) of a diplomatic mission,
whatever form they may take and including any containers or other devices
employed for their storage.
Diplomatic asylum
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The granting of refuge in diplomatic (and by extension in consular) premises
to fugitives from the authority of the receiving state where they are deemed
by the sending state to have given political rather than criminal offence.
Diplomatic bag
A package which, to permit and protect free communication between a state
and its diplomats, may not be opened or detained route, whether it contains
classified material or not.
Diplomatic courier
A person employed, either on a regular or ad hoc basis, for the expressly
limited purpose of carrying a diplomatic bag. A diplomatic courier is today
thus not a diplomatic agent such as a special envoy, though in the ancient
world the roles were usually fused in one individual. A diplomatic courier
also carries identifying documents, usually a courier’s passport (though in
earlier times discreet badges were also found useful).
Diplomatic corps
The body of diplomats of all states, including attachés, who are resident at
one post. The term is a corruption of the French phrase corps diplomatique,
which translates correctly as ‚diplomatic body‛. The diplomatic corps is led
by the doyen(ne) or dean, has its own meetings, and is seen en masse at
ceremonial occasions.
Diplomatic passport
A travel document issued by a state to the members of its diplomatic service
and their families, and also to government ministers and their families and,
where relevant, to royal personages.
Diplomatic privileges and immunities

The special legal position accorded to diplomatic agents by receiving states is
generally referred to by this phrase, with the words in the order given. The
details are spelt out in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, but
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almost invariably require legislation by a receiving state for them to be
operative domestically.
Diplomatic staff
The staff of a diplomatic, permanent or special mission who enjoy diplomatic
status, as opposed to administrative and technical staff and service staff.
Diplomatic note
Form of correspondence between one or more diplomatic missions in a
country and the foreign ministry of that country (receiving State). Always
written in the third person, such notes begin with the standard greeting: ‚The
Embassy presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has
the honour to...‛ and end with the complimentary conclusion: ‚The Embassy
avails itself of this occasion to renew to the Ministry the assurances of its
highest consideration‛.
Diplomatic protection
Diplomatic protection allows a State to intervene on behalf of its nationals
(individuals or legal entities) who have suffered prejudice of some kind at the
hands of another State in violation of international law. The State alone
decides on the appropriateness of such an intervention.
Diplomatic protection is based on the following five principles:
 In exercising diplomatic protection, a State asserts its own right;
 A State can offer diplomatic protection only to its own nationals;
 The exercise of diplomatic protection is possible only if another State
has violated international law;
 The nationals in question must have exhausted all local remedies
available to them;
 The injured party must not have caused or aggravated the prejudice in
question.
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E
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Designated by the United Nations Charter as one of the UN’s principal
organs, ECOSOC is in effect subordinate to the UN General Assembly, to
which it makes recommendations on matters within its remit. Originally
made up of 18 UN members, elected by the Assembly, it now consists of
three times that number. Each member serves for a three-year term, and is
eligible for immediate re-election. The Council acts on the basis of majority
voting, each member having one vote. It generally meets once a year,
alternately in New York and Geneva, and sits for five weeks. It has an
extensive subordinate machinery of functional and regional commissions,
standing and expert committees, and is responsible for certain UN bodies
such as the Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees, the World Food Programme, and the
International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of
Women.
Economic diplomacy
Diplomacy concerned with economic policy questions, including the work of
delegations to conferences sponsored by bodies such as the World Trade
Organization.
Embassy
The building occupied by the offices of a diplomatic mission headed by an
ambassador, which is the modern meaning.
Enquiry
A method of promoting the pacific settlement of disputes by appointing a
commission to enquire into the facts of a dispute and report on them (but not
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to make recommendations for its solution). The commission may be
appointed by the parties or, with their agreement, by an international
organization. It is then for the parties to decide what effect, if any, is to be
given to the report, or for the appointing organization to decide on what
recommendations should be made to the parties.
Envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary

The full title of the head of mission to a foreign state where that head, as
among heads of mission, falls into the second class. The head is, however,
called minister; and his mission is called a legation. While accredited to the
head of state, a minister is not invested with ‚the representative character‛.
Equality of states
The principle that all sovereign states are, by virtue of their equal
sovereignty, equal in status (not with standing the wide disparities of power
and influence which exist between them). The principle often finds
expression in diplomacy, for example in the rules regarding interstate
precedence.
Espionage
Obtaining foreign intelligence by the employment of spies or secret agents, as
opposed to obtaining it by the ‚technical means‛ which have become so
important since the Second World War. Diplomats themselves have always
been associated with this kind of work, either because they spied themselves,
hired others to do it for them, or gave shelter in diplomatic premises – under
innocent- sounding titles – to spies in the secret service of their own state.
Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC)

The NATO body which acts as the chief forum for consultation and
cooperation between the alliance’s 19 members and the non NATO states of
Europe and Central Asia, notably the successor states of the former Soviet
Union (including Russia) and some former members of the Soviet bloc.
Formerly the post-Cold War North Atlantic Cooperation Council (created in
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1991), the EAPC was inaugurated in 1997. Its operational arm is the
Partnership for Peace.
European Council
The serial summit meeting (usually held three times a year) of the European
Union. Though its roots go back to European summits at the beginning of the
1960s, the Council began to meet informally in its current format in 1975 and
it was regularized by the Single European Act in 1986.
European Commission
The college of commissioners of the European Union (who have risen in
number with each enlargement), plus the civil servants who work for them.
Each commissioner is responsible for one or more of the departments (known
as directorates-general) into which the Commission is divided. Though
unelected, a new college of commissioners now has to secure the approval of
the European Parliament. Guardian of the notion of a broader European
interest, among its important tasks are ensuring that the Union’s treaties are
observed, initiating legislation, and executing decisions of the Council of
Ministers. The Commission is required to work under ‚the political guidance
of its President‛, and all major decisions are taken by consensus. Its
headquarters is located in the Berlaymont building in Brussels.
European Parliament
The directly elected assembly of the European Union. It has 626 members,
known as ‚Members of the European Parliament‛ or ‚MEPs‛. The meetings
of the Parliament are held in Strasbourg but (most inconveniently) those of its
standing committees take place in Brussels. It has important budgetary and
legislative powers. For these reasons and because it is directly elected, it is
not a typical international parliamentary assembly.
European Union
(1) The goal of supporters of European ‚integration‛: a European state. (2)
Since the entry into force of the Treaty of Maastricht in November 1993, the
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institutions involved in discharging the responsibilities of the Council of
Ministers for foreign and security policy (CFSP) and judicial and police
affairs.
Exchange of views
As opposed to a negotiation, a diplomatic exchange limited to clarifying the
attitudes of the parties towards a particular subject or range of subjects. In
French, a tour d’horizon.
Extradition
The process whereby, usually on the basis of a bilateral treaty, one state
surrenders to another on its request a person accused or convicted of a
criminal offence against the law of the requesting state. Extradition may also
take place on the basis of multilateral conventions which relate to serious
crime.
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F
Facilitator
A modern term for a third party who provides good offices in an attempt to
facilitate or assist the settlement of an international or intrastate conflict.
Farewell call
One made by a departing head of mission on the head of the state to which
the diplomat concerned has been accredited, or to any other dignitary with
whom he or she has had dealings. In most, but not all, countries protocol
does not require a call on the head of state, but some circumstances may
result in one being made: close ties between the two states concerned, a
personal relationship between the departing head of mission and the head of
state, or just the expressed wish of the head of mission.
Foreign aid
Economic resources (including interest-free/low-interest loans) transferred
from one state to another, either without anticipation of payment or at
significantly less than market price. International organizations may also
extend such aid.
Force majeure
An irresistible force. The defense of force majeure is sometimes used by states
to justify a failure to execute an obligation or the commission of an
apparently unlawful act.
Foreign affairs
The government department usually charged with taking the lead in the
conduct of a state’s foreign policy, and hence with its diplomacy; and ideally,
too, with coordinating all of the state’s international activity.
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Foreign Office
Britain’s department of state responsible, until 1968, for the conduct of her
international dealings with states other than members of the Commonwealth,
and with international organizations.
Foreign policy
(1) The political and security policies adopted by a state in relation to the
outside world. (2) All of the policies (including economic policies) adopted by
a state in relation to the outside world.
Foreign Secretary
A synonym, in Britain, of ‚foreign minister‛. In some other states it is the title
of the head official of the ministry of foreign affairs.
Foreign Service
The body-created in 1943 by the amalgamation of the Foreign Office and
Diplomatic Service, the Consular Service and the Commercial Diplomatic
Service. It ceased to exist at the end of 1964, when it was itself amalgamated
with other services to form part of the new British Diplomatic Service.
Forum
(1) Any international gathering. (2) An informal international gathering
which has a fairly sharp focus for discussion and is often held at high level.
For example, the Regional Forum of the Association of South-East Asian
Nations meets annually at foreign minister level in order to exchange views
on regional security and has resisted external pressure to develop
organizational features and concerted policies. Membership of such a forum
provides opportunities for influence and intelligence-gathering while
imposing few obligations on members and signaling little more than interest
in its subject matter.
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G
General Assembly
The chief deliberative organ of the United Nations. It consists of all UN
members, each of them having one vote. The Assembly’s resolutions are
passed by either a two thirds or a simple majority of those present and
voting. On external matters its resolutions are only recommendatory, but on
matters internal to the UN – such as budgetary questions and the election of
non-permanent members of the UN Security Council – the Assembly’s
resolutions are binding on the members and the organization. The General
Assembly meets each year in regular session between mid- September and
late December; sometimes this session is continued in the next calendar year.
Special sessions of the Assembly are convoked at the request of the Security
Council or of a majority of UN members.
Genocide
A term invented in 1944 by a Polish Jewish lawyer, Raphael Lemkin, which
the Genocide Convention defined as ‚acts committed with intent to destroy,
in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group‛.
Global governance
A misleading term for the collective activities of international organizations
with a more or less universal membership. Such activities by no means
equate to the usual meaning of the word governance.
Globalization
Constantly ongoing process in different spheres of the dynamic world such
as a finance, trade, investment and communication.
Group of eight (G8)

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The G8 countries are a self-styled informal club of ‚leading industrialized
democracies‛ which meets annually at the summit and in a separate cycle of
meetings during the year at finance-minister level. Originally focused only on
economic questions, the G8 agenda broadened in the 1980s to include
political issues, and an agreed communiqué, drafted beforehand by the
sherpas, also became a feature of the annual summits.
Group of 77
A UN grouping (now many more than 77, but the original number is still
used) of the less developed countries of the Third World.
Guarantee
This does not have a technical meaning in international law and diplomacy.
But it generally indicates a legal undertaking by a relatively strong state or
states to protect – by force unless otherwise specified – the independence and
territorial integrity of another and usually weaker state, or some other
important aspect of its condition.
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H
Hague Conference
Held at the instigation of the Czar of Russia in 1899 and 1907 to try to reach
agreements on disarmament, the mitigation of the horrors of war, and the
pacific settlement of disputes. No progress was made on the first of these
aims; on the second, a number of conventions were agreed; and in pursuit of
the third, the Permanent Court of Arbitration was established.
Head of mission
The person charged by the sending state with the duty of acting in that
capacity in a resident or non-resident mission.
Head of state
The person who, on the basis of a state’s constitution or of other effective
internal procedures, is designated as its head. This individual may possess
supreme executive power, as in the case of the President of the United States,
or retain largely ceremonial functions, as in the case of the Queen of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Headquarters of the United Nations, Agreement between the United Nations

and the United States of America regarding the Status of the United Nations
in New York, Convention on (1947).
This agreement (also known as the Headquarters Agreement, the Host-
Country Agreement, and the Host- State Agreement) deals with the position
of the UN’s headquarters in New York. A headquarters district was defined,
placed under the control and authority of the UN, and declared to be
inviolable. The UN was given the power to make such regulations for the
district as the UN’s functions required; any US laws and regulations which
were inconsistent with them were declared to be inapplicable within the
district, but otherwise US law was to apply.
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Honorary consul
A generic term which refers to any rank of honorary consular officer. Where a
state has an honorary consul in a capital city in which it has no other
residential representation (because no diplomatic mission has been accredited
to the state in question or because all the members of its mission are
nonresident), the receiving state may, as a convenience, include any such
honorary consul(s) in an annex to its diplomatic list.
Human rights
Human rights are the freedoms to which all individuals are entitled as
human beings. Human rights are protected through a system of agreements
and conventions such as Universal Declaration of Human rights (1947).
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I
Idealism
Used in the study of international relations to refer to views or policies which
are deemed to reflect ideals rather than practicality. It is a charge which has
often been leveled against scholars and politicians of the interwar period.
Imperialism
(1) A synonym for colonialism. (2) Aggressive behavior, especially that which
is intended to establish long-term dominance.
Incident
An event which causes a sharp deterioration in diplomatic relations and may
or may not lead to a crisis.
Imaginary
Intelligence obtained from photographic and other images, including radar
echoes. In peacetime at least, satellites are now the main source of intelligence
from imagery.
Independence
Used in a legal sense to refer to a state’s lack of constitutional subordination
to another state, to its sovereignty.
Intelligence
(1) Information, whether foreign or defense, political or economic, secret or
openly available. (2) The government organization or organizations
(‚intelligence agencies‛ or ‚secret intelligence agencies‛) which collect,
analyze and disseminate this information, which is chiefly about actually or
potentially hostile foreign countries.
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Interim agreement
The modern term for what used to be called a modus vivendi, this is a
temporary or provisional agreement which is designed ostensibly to be
replaced later on by one which is possibly more detailed, probably more
comprehensive, and certainly more permanent. Interim agreements tend to
be popular because they can be presented as both the only way to advance to
a final settlement and the only way to forestall one.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

An international organization related to the UN by a special agreement, the
IAEA was founded in 1956 to accelerate and enlarge the peaceful uses of
atomic energy, and to ensure that such assistance as it gives in this area is not
used for military purposes.
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

A specialized agency of the UN, based in Washington, DC, USA. However,
this term is now also used to refer to the IBRD and three other bodies which
are closely associated with it and work under its aegis.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

A specialized agency of the UN, based in Montreal, Canada.
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

A non-governmental organization established by Henry Dunant (1828–1910)
in 1863. Its headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland, but it has a permanent
presence in over 50 countries. Its ‚exclusively humanitarian mission is to
protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to
provide them with assistance‛.
International community
The collectivity of states. The term is often thought to suggest a greater
degree of warmth and harmony than the alternative term international
society, and for that reason is judged by many scholars to be less appropriate.
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However, it is much favored by states’ political leaders, and hence is
frequently used by diplomats.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Although formally an organ of the United Nations, the ICJ is an independent
judicial body. It sits (fulltime) at The Hague (in The Netherlands) and is
composed of 15 judges, no two of whom may be nationals of the same state.
They are elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and
Security Council, voting separately. The Court has jurisdiction to decide
contentious cases and to give advisory opinions.
International Criminal Court

In 1998 an international conference in Rome adopted a statute for such a
court. It gives the court jurisdiction over individuals charged with the most
serious crimes of international concern: genocide, crimes against humanity,
and war crimes, and also the crime of aggression once an acceptable
definition for the court’s jurisdiction over it is adopted.
Internationalization
The idea that an area should not form part of a sovereign state but be given
an international status by, for example, being permanently placed under the
aegis of an organ of the United Nations. Such schemes have been proposed
for the city and environs of Trieste and for Jerusalem (both in 1947).
International law
The body of rules and principles of action which are binding on sovereign
states in their relations with each other.
Internationalism
The policy of maximizing cooperation with other states and support for the
decisions of international organizations.
International legislation
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A term sometimes used to refer to multilateral treaties which have been
widely accepted. However, inasmuch as the term legislation usually entails
the enactment of generally-applicable law by majority vote, its use at the
international level can be misleading, for a majority of states cannot impose
an obligation on those states who do not consent to it.
International order
A non-technical term which refers to the absence of chaos in the relations of
states. This state of affairs is obtained through there being agreement on the
criterion for being an international actor – which takes the form of
sovereignty; a means for these notional entities to communicate with each
other – which is supplied by diplomacy; and a normative framework for their
relations – which is supplied by international law.
International personality
The status held by an entity which possesses rights and duties under
international law. Sovereign states are the principal holders of international
personality. But international organizations have also been granted
international personality by their members; and to a limited extent
individuals, too, have been accorded this status in connection with their
responsibilities under international criminal law.
International Relations
(1) A state’s dealings and contacts with other states, and with international
organizations. (2) The general sphere of bilateral and multilateral interstate
activity. (3) When the first letters are in capitals, the study of international
relations.
International regime
The rules and procedures relating to a specific international activity,
geographical area, or economic resource.
International system
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The network of relationships which exists at the international level, including
therefore the role in those relationships of international organizations, non-
governmental organizations, and other non-state actors.
International society
A term used to refer to the collectivity of sovereign states. Historically, it was
often used in writing about international relations, and at this level finds
much contemporary favor in Britain. ‚International society‛ certainly has
some advantages over the alternative terms, international community,
international system, and states-system.
Internuncio
A papal head of mission of the second class, who thus has the same rank as
an envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary.
Intervention
Action directed at a state from outside with the intention either of influencing
some aspect of its domestic policy or of changing its regime. The author of
the intervention may be another state, an alliance, or an international
organization. It is distinguishable from annexation. Intervention is
inconsistent with the norm of state sovereignty (as suggested by the common
synonym, ‚interference‛).
Isolationism
The policy of nonparticipation in contentious international matters. The
policy contributed to that state’s refusal ever to join the League of Nations,
and was only abandoned after the United States was brought into the Second
World War by Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor (Hawaii) in December 1941.
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J
Joint commission
A body established to oversee the implementation of an agreement,
especially one produced by a diplomatic breakthrough on a narrow front
between still hostile parties. Joint commissions are composed
overwhelmingly of specialist representatives of the parties concerned and
may include a neutral element as well.
Judgment
The binding decision (or ‚award‛) of an international judicial organization or
of an arbitral tribunal on a dispute which has been submitted to it.
Judicial settlement
The settlement of a dispute by a permanent international judicial body as
distinct from resort to arbitration. Except to the extent to which two or more
states have agreed in advance that a specified class of disputes shall be
subject to a particular court’s compulsory jurisdiction, this device for pacific
settlement can only be used when the parties agree to it.
Justiciable dispute
One which is considered by the parties to be capable of settlement by
adjudication – that is, by arbitration or judicial settlement. In principle, any
dispute can be settled on this basis. But if the core of the dispute is not about
the application or interpretation of existing international law but reflects
dissatisfaction with it, resort to adjudication will not provide a real
settlement.
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K
Korean war
The 1950–1953 war in which the United States and a number of her allies
fought, under the auspices of the United Nations, to repel the invasion of the
western oriented South Korea by the Communist regime in North Korea.
Kosovo conflict
The military clash in 1999 between Serbia and NATO. This followed NATO’s
decision to use air power in an attempt to persuade the government in
Belgrade to desist from ethnic persecution in its Province of Kosovo and hand
its administration over to third parties. However, at the time of writing
(February 2000) it is a hotly disputed question whether Serbia’s subsequent
withdrawal was a consequence of the bombing or, once it was clear that air
power was not having the desired effect, of more subtle approaches.
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L
Laisser passer
(1) A letter of recommendation to the customs authorities asking that the
luggage and effects of a diplomat or diplomatic courier be allowed to pass
through without inspection; it is issued by the embassy of the country which
it is proposed to enter. (2) A travel document issued by international
organizations to its officials, which some states treat as the equivalent of a
passport.
Lateran Treaties
The three agreements which settled the disputes prompted by the absorption
of the Papal States by the new state of Italy in the second half of the
nineteenth century. They were signed in the palace of St John Lateran on
February 11th, 1929 by the Italian dictator, Benito Mussolini, and the Pope’s
secretary of state, Cardinal Gasparri. In addition to a Concordat and a
Financial Convention, a Political Treaty provided for the full and
independent sovereignty of the papacy within the territory it still retained:
Vatican City.
Law-making treaty
One to which many states are parties, and so has become widely applicable.
However, it is an unfortunate term in that it implies, incorrectly, that a
bilateral treaty or one with few parties does not, for those parties, constitute
law.
Law of the Sea (United Nations Law of the Sea)

Concluded in December 1982, it entered into force in 1994. Five years later,
126 states were party to it. One notable absentee from this list is the United
States, as was Britain for many years, both of them objecting to the
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Convention’s provisions regarding the sea-bed. However, one of the early
acts of the Labour Government which came to power in Britain in 1997 was to
accede to the Convention. Many of its provisions are widely treated as
expressive of customary international law
Law of Treaties (Vienna Convention on Law of Treaties)

This Convention, which was signed in May 1969, brought together and tidied
up most of the rules of customary international law regarding treaties, and
extended a good number of them. It was the product of much preparatory
work by the International Law Commission. It entered into force in 1980, but
has so far been ratified or acceded to by slightly fewer than half the world’s
sovereign states. However, in large measure it is generally seen as expressive
of customary law on the subject, and to that extent is binding on all states.
League of Arab States

Founded in 1945 by the seven sovereign Arab states, now it has 22 members,
including the (February 2000) non-sovereign Palestine. It seeks to promote
closer ties between the members and to coordinate their cultural, economic,
and security policies. Proposals towards this end are the responsibility of the
League Council, on which each member is represented and holds one vote.
The Council may meet in the capital of any member state. The League also
has a number of specialized ministerial committees which may make
suggestions to the Council. However, especially on issues with a higher
profile, the League has rarely made much effective (as distinct from
rhetorical) progress, due to the considerable animosity which often exists
within the Arab world. The League’s headquarters and hence its secretariat
are in Cairo, Egypt.
League of Nations
Provided for by the peace treaty of 1919 – the Treaty of Versailles – which
brought the Great War to an end, the League of Nations was the first general
international organization to be charged with the maintenance of peace. In
this area it represented the breakthrough into the international society of the
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idea of collective security. The League was responsible for the supervision of
the mandates system; was given certain protective tasks in respect of
minorities; acted as the governing authority of two territories which were
subject to temporary internationalization; engaged in much work of a
‚technical‛ kind; sponsored a number of ‚auxiliary‛ organizations (some of
which were the forerunners of the UN’s specialized agencies); and had a close
relationship with the Permanent Court of International Justice. The League
was formally wound up in 1946.
Legate
1. From the ancient world until the early modern period, any person sent by
any other on diplomatic business.
2. A papal emissary.
Letter of credence
The credentials with which a newly appointed ambassador is furnished. They
take the form of a letter (although the plural is generally used) in which (to
use typical wording) the sending state’s head of state asks his or her
counterpart in the receiving state to ‚give entire credence to all that the
ambassador shall have occasion to communicate to you in my name‛. They
are a specific (and often rather colorful) instance of the general rule that any
agent needs to carry documents of authentication.
Letter of recall
The formal letter (although the plural is generally used) sent by the sending
state’s head of state to that of the receiving state announcing that a head of
mission is being recalled. Usually that letter is presented to the head of state
by the incoming head of mission, together with his or her letters of credence.
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M
Maastricht Treaty (1992)
The Treaty on European Union (TEU), as it is formally styled, was finally
settled at European Council meeting in Maastricht in The Netherlands in
December 1991. It was signed on 7 February 1992 and entered into force in
November 1993. It marked the largest advance in European integration since
the foundation of the European Economic Community, providing both for
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the creation of the European
Union via addition of two new ‚pillars‛ of policy cooperation to the existing
economic one (Pillar One): Common Foreign and Security Policy (Pillar Two),
and Justice and Home Affairs (Pillar Three).
Major power
A convenient term now sometimes used to describe the half-dozen or so most
powerful states in the contemporary world. It does not carry the historical
baggage of the term great power, while its vagueness permits it to embrace
the one remaining ‚superpower‛ – the United States – and its nearest rivals,
together with powerful states who do not have permanent seats on the UN
Security Council as well as those that do. In effect, if ‚superpower‛ is
regarded as a synonym for ‚great power‛, the category of ‚major power‛
covers both the great powers and the upper middle powers.
Marshal of the diplomatic corps

The British official who oversees ceremonial occasions which involve both the
state and members of the London diplomatic corps. For example, the marshal
organizes the presentation of letters of credence. Traditionally a retired
armed services officer, he is a member of that part of the Royal Household
which is called the Lord Chamberlain’s office. However, it should be noted
that the day-to-day functions of the marshal are performed by the Protocol
Department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office under the supervision
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of a director (formerly assistant undersecretary), who also has the title of
‚vice-marshal of the diplomatic corps‛.
Marshal Plan
A plan outlined in 1947 by the American secretary of state, George Marshall,
envisaging extensive economic assistance from the United States to facilitate
the recovery of European states after the Second World War. It was accepted
by their non-communist number, and led to the European Recovery Program
(ERP) and, for its administration, the Organization for European Economic
Co-operation (OEEC).
Mediation
(1) The active search for a negotiated settlement to an international or
intrastate conflict by an impartial third party. The search is ‚active‛ in the
sense that the work of the intermediary may go so far as to involve drawing
up the agenda, calling and chairing negotiating sessions, proposing solutions,
and employing threats and promises towards the rivals. It is now a matter of
controversy whether the mediator need be impartial prior to the start of
negotiations but there is still general agreement on its necessity once they
have commenced. Not to be confused with conciliation or good offices, this
strict concept of mediation is the older – and still a very common – usage. (2)
On a more recent and looser usage, any diplomatic activity by an
intermediary, of whatever quality or degree, which is designed to promote a
negotiated settlement to a conflict.
Memorandum
A written text summarizing the essential facts relating to an international
problem.
Military attaché
Usually an army officer temporarily attached to a diplomatic mission, though
an individual listed as ‚Naval and Military Attaché‛, for example, could be a
naval officer assigned the task of representing the army as well; known in the
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US Foreign Service as an ‚army attaché‛ and in at least one other diplomatic
service as an ‚army adviser‛.
Minister counselor
In the diplomatic ranks of some states, a position which lies beneath that of
minister and above that of counselor.
Modus vivendi
A temporary or provisional agreement, this is an older term for what is now
more usually styled an interim agreement.
Monarchy
That system of government in which supreme authority is vested by the
state’s constitution in a single and usually hereditary figure, such as a king or
queen. Once the common form of government, monarchies are now relatively
rare; and the authority vested in the monarch is almost invariably of a formal
kind only.
Monroe Doctrine
The doctrine (as it later became known) enunciated in 1823 by President
James Monroe of the United States in which that state’s opposition to
European encroachment in the Western Hemisphere was proclaimed.
Montevideo Convention on Rights and Duties of States (1933)

A treaty signed by the United States and certain Latin American states. It was
preceded and has been followed by other such attempts to define its stated
subject matter, none of which has ever commanded general assent.
Partly this is because some such alleged rights and duties are virtually self-
evident; and partly – and more importantly – because of the difficulty of
getting wide agreement on what rights and duties are basic. The Convention
is, however, often quoted for its statement that for a territorial entity to be an
international person it needs a permanent population, a defined territory, a
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government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. This
last requirement, of course, is another way of referring to sovereignty.
Multilateral Diplomacy
Diplomacy conducted via conferences attended by three or more states, as
distinct from ‚bilateral diplomacy‛ which is diplomacy conducted on a state
to state basis. Multilateral diplomacy is invariably supplemented by bilateral
contacts both in the same mode as well as in more traditional ones.
Multilateral conferences vary enormously in size, level of attendance,
longevity, and extent of bureaucratization, from small ad hoc conferences to
huge ones with a wide-ranging agenda, such as the annual sessions of the UN
General Assembly.
Multinational Corporation
A business corporation which has a visible and significant wealth-generating
presence in more than one state or, in other words, engages to a significant
degree in direct (as opposed to indirect or portfolio) foreign investment. The
term ‚multinational‛ may suggest that the directors and senior managers of
these companies are representative of the countries in which they operate,
whereas in fact they still tend to be dominated by personnel from the MNC’s
country of origin. It is to avoid this misleading impression that some,
including the UN, prefer the term ‚transnational corporation‛ (TNC).
Multiple accreditations
The accrediting of a diplomat to two or more states or international
organizations. In the usual case, an ambassador is resident in the capital of
one of the states to which he or she is accredited, while the others are in the
same region. If the capital is host to an international organization he or she
may well be accredited to this as well. Thus an ambassador in Rome may be
accredited to the Food and Agriculture Organization, as well as to Italy – and
the Vatican. Expressly sanctioned by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic
Relations, multiple accreditation of this kind has always been popular with
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smaller states because of the cost-savings which it permits but in recent years
has been resorted to by larger states as well.
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N
Nation
An aggregation of people who, as the result of having certain important
phenomena in common such as descent, language, history, culture, or simply
feeling – assert that collectively they constitute a national unit.
National Day
The annual occasion when a head of mission holds a reception in order to
celebrate a date of great national significance. This is usually Independence
Day, the birthday of a monarch, or the anniversary of the revolution which
brought the government to power.
National interest
That which is deemed by a particular state to be a vital or desirable goal in its
international relations.
Nationalism
(1) The doctrine that nations should constitute sovereign states. (2) Pride in
one’s nationhood, more particularly in its non-political achievements and in
what are deemed to be its distinctive characteristics. It also called cultural
nationalism.
Nationality
(1) The national collectivity to which a person claims to belong. (2) The state
of which a person is a citizen or subject.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a military alliance created by the
North Atlantic Treaty signed by 12 states in Washington on 4 April 1949. The
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key article included the statement that “an armed attack against one or more
of (the parties) in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack
against them all”. Conceived as an anti-Soviet alliance under American
leadership, NATO became the major safeguard of the West during the Cold
War. Since the end of the Cold War NATO has been used as a vehicle for
coordinating the response of its members to ‘out-of-area’ threats, notably in
Iraq and in the former Yugoslavia. In order partly to reassure Russia, it has
also devoted much attention to improving and thickening its relations with
member states of the former Soviet Union, and to this end has created two
major new institutions: the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (formerly the
North Atlantic Cooperation Council) and the Partnership for Peace.
Naval attaché
Usually a naval officer temporarily attached to a diplomatic mission, though
an individual listed as ‚Naval and Military Attaché‛, for example, could be
an army officer assigned the task of representing the navy as well. As
between members of the Commonwealth, the equivalent individual is
designated as a naval adviser.
Negotiation
(1) Discussion, or ‚talks‛, between the representatives of two or more states
which is designed to produce an agreement on a point which is either of
shared concern or at issue between them. The characteristic method of
achieving success in a negotiation is for the parties to exchange concessions.
On this narrow, traditional conception, negotiation proceeds through three
stages: pre-negotiations, the formula stage, and the details stage (where the
skeletal formula is fleshed out). The last two stages are sometimes known as
‚negotiations proper‛ or ‚around-the table‛ negotiations.
Neutral state
A state which has declared its neutrality on ongoing issues of international
relations or topics of any cooperation with counterpart.
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Neutralization
A formal collective act by which a lesser state gives an undertaking,
guaranteed by a group of greater powers, that it will not involve itself in war
(except in self-defense) and will take great care not to give political offence in
any quarter. In the past neutralization has been used in an attempt to protect
small states against powerful neighbors.
Neutralism
A term which was used in the early post-1945 period to describe non-
alignment movement.
Neutrality
A legal status assumed unilaterally by a state during a time of war, indicative
of its intention of staying out of the war. The status involves rights and duties
on the part of both the neutral state and the belligerents.
Non-Alignment
The policy of refusing to join either of the military alliance systems which
were a key feature of the Cold War.
Non-Alignment Movement
The movement consisting overwhelmingly of Third World states which had
as its rationale a determination collectively to resist pressure to join one or
other side in the Cold War. Its origins are to be found in a summit meeting
held in Bandung in Indonesia in April 1955, though it was not formally
launched until 1961 (in Belgrade, Yugoslavia). Since the Lusaka summit in
1970, summit meetings of members have been held triennially.
Non-governmental organizations
Though sometimes held to subsume the multinational corporation, the usual
connotation of this term is a private, non-profit making body which has an
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international membership. Some such bodies may be especially active in the
wings of major conferences held under United Nations auspices.
Non-resident mission
A diplomatic mission, the head and members of which are accredited to the
receiving state but are ordinarily resident in another state (possibly, even,
their home state, or perhaps dispersed among several resident missions) from
which, from time to time, they visit the receiving state.
Non-state actor
An entity or group which seeks to have an impact on the internationally
related decisions or policy of one or more states. Thus such an actor might be
an international organization, a non-governmental organization, a
multinational corporation, armed elements seeking to free their territory from
external rule, or a terrorist group. A non-state actor may also be an
individual.
Nordic Council
An assembly of parliamentary delegates from Denmark, Finland, Iceland,
Norway, and Sweden which advises the Nordic Council of Ministers on
cooperation between these states in areas other than defense and foreign
affairs. The Council’s secretariat is in Stockholm, Sweden; that of the Council
of Ministers in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Nuncio
(1) In Europe in the middle ages, a messenger or ‚living letter‛. (2) Since the
sixteenth century, a resident representative of the Holy See with the same
rank as an ambassador. Accredited to the civil authorities, the nuncio – unlike
the apostolic delegate – has a political (‚external‛) as well as religious
(‚internal‛) commission from the pope. At the Congress of Vienna in 1815 it
was agreed that the papal nuncio would always be the doyen of the
diplomatic corps (and there is an echo of this in the Vienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations). However, a predictable dispute subsequently arose as
to whether the Regulation agreed at Vienna meant that any nuncio, wherever
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he was accredited, would head the local order of diplomatic precedence, or
whether he would only enjoy this in capitals where a nuncio was to be found
in 1815. Today, it is only common to find the nuncio automatically made
doyen of the diplomatic corps in Roman Catholic countries.
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O
Object of international law
A real or notional person who, lacking international personality, does not
possess rights and duties under international law. Although individuals are
generally in this position, exceptions to it are made in respect of some matters
which fall within international criminal law.
Official
A member of a state’s civil or diplomatic service or of an international
organization’s secretariat. An official is therefore to be distinguished from a
minister.
Official spokesman/woman
The official with the duty of making statements to the press on behalf of a
ministry or delegation; in French Porte-parole.
Open diplomacy
A rather loose phrase encapsulating the democratic doctrine that both in the
making of foreign policy and the negotiation and ratification of agreements in
its pursuit, the public – universally peace-loving – should be as fully involved
as possible. Though the doctrine itself has been traced to Kant, the slogan is
associated especially with the name of US president, Woodrow Wilson, who
led the American delegation at the Paris Peace Conference at the end of the
First World War.
Optional clause
The name given to Article 36 of the Statute of the International Court of
Justice, under which any party to the Statute may, in relation to any other
state accepting the same obligation, accept the compulsory jurisdiction of the
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Court. States are not on the whole very keen to do this. And such acceptances
of the optional clause as have been made tend to be for a specific period of
time, and to be subject to reservations – which sometimes are far reaching.
Thus the network of compulsory jurisdiction which exists is not extensive.
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

Founded in 1961 to replace the Organization for European Economic Co-
operation, it is a forum for the industrialized states to discuss and attempt to
coordinate their economic and social policies. Its headquarters is in Paris,
France.
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

Founded in 1994 as the renamed Conference on Security and Co-operation in
Europe, the OSCE aims to prevent local conflicts, bolster European security,
and build peaceful and democratic societies. Its Ministerial Council meets at
least annually; and there is a Permanent Council responsible for routine
operational tasks, composed of the members’ permanent representatives. The
OSCE also has a Parliamentary Assembly, a High Commissioner on National
Minorities, and an Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. It
establishes ad hoc missions to serve as instruments of conflict prevention and
crisis management.
Organization of African Unity (OAU)

Established in 1963 to foster African unity and solidarity, virtually all African
states are members. Its principal policy-making organ is the Assembly of the
Heads of State and Government, which meets annually. The Council of
Ministers meets twice a year. The OAU’s headquarters is in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia. The OAU has been and remains a stout supporter of the doctrine
that the former colonial boundaries in Africa should not be altered after
independence without the consent of the states concerned, but in operational
terms the Organization has not achieved a great deal. The relative poverty of
most of its members means that it is often short of cash; and intra-African
disputes and rivalries tend to obstruct concerted action.
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Organization of American States (OAS)

With historical roots going back to the late nineteenth century, the OAS was
founded in 1948. It aims to assist in the maintenance of peace on the
American continent, has programs to promote economic and social
development, and latterly has put a good deal of emphasis on the promotion
of democracy. For many years it was composed of the United States and the
Latin American states, but now includes Canada and the non-Latin American
states of the Caribbean. The General Assembly of the OAS meets annually; a
Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs is called whenever an
urgent issue arises; and its Permanent Council meets on a permanent basis at
the Organization’s headquarters in
Washington, DC, USA. The OAS also has a Juridical Committee to advise on
such matters, and a Commission on Human Rights to watch over their
observance.
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

Created in 1960 to serve its members’ interests, its strength caused alarm
among oil importers in 1973 when, in response to the Arab–Israeli war, oil
sales to some Western states were temporarily cut. However, increased oil
production by non-members (who now produce most of the world’s oil), a
slowing down in oil consumption, and political divisions within OPEC’s
ranks have all tended to diminish the Organization’s significance. OPEC’s
members are: Algeria, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela. Its
headquarters is in Vienna, Austria.
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P
Pacific Community
Formerly known as the South Pacific Commission, this international body
assists small island states and territories in the Pacific with the exploitation of
their land, marine, and social resources. Its larger members, which provide
most of the finance, include Australia, Britain, France, New Zealand, and the
United States. Its headquarters is in Noumea, New Caledonia.
Pacific settlement
The process of trying to solve disputes by such means as negotiation,
enquiry, mediation, conciliation, good offices, arbitration, judicial settlement,
and resort to regional agencies.
Package deal
An agreement produced by exchanging concessions across a broad range of
issues.
Parliamentary Assembly
In international relations, an organ of an international organization consisting
of parliamentarians nominated by the member states. Parliamentary
assemblies are therefore unelected, even though their members are elected
representatives in their national parliaments.
Parliamentary Diplomacy
Multilateral diplomacy which takes place in public in the organs of an
international organization. A parliamentary assembly does not engage in
parliamentary diplomacy, such assemblies not being diplomatic organs.
Peace enforcement
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The currently favored name for action on the basis of collective security.
However, whereas collective security envisaged armed action against cross-
border aggression, peace enforcement also refers to such action taken within
a state against internal disturbers of the peace.
Peaceful coexistence
A Soviet foreign policy slogan during the Cold War which usually meant
conducting the struggle of Communism against the capitalist world with
sufficient restraint to avoid the risk of general war, i.e. mutual nuclear
annihilation. It does not mean (as some in the West believed) ‚live and let
live‛. It had its origins in the ideological convolutions of the Bolshevik
leadership in the aftermath of the October Revolution of 1917.
Peacekeeping
Impartial and nonthreatening third-party activity taken at the request or with
the consent of disputants who wish, at least for the time being, to live in
peace. It may be embarked upon with a view to containing a crisis,
maintaining stability along a line of international division, or resolving a
dispute.
Peacemaking
A term which encompasses the processes of pacific settlement. But it may
also go beyond them to refer to the creation of those attitudes, political
arrangements, and underlying social and economic conditions which are
sometimes thought to provide the only lasting basis for secure international
and domestic peace. Such an approach is also known as peace building.
Peaceful settlement of disputes

Procedures to achieve the peaceful settlement of a dispute between two or
more States can take the following forms:
• Negotiation, which is the first and most usual way of resolving disputes. A
meeting between the States in question might for example lead to an
agreement;
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• Procedures involving good offices, where a third State mediates between the
parties and ensures the material organization of a meeting (Facilitation and
mediation);
• Conciliation and resolution procedures, where a third State or a conciliation
commission proposes a solution to the parties concerned, which is not
binding;
• Inquiries which, in principle, serve to establish the facts only;
• In the case of an arbitration procedure a panel of individuals designated by
the parties has the power to make a final decision, which is binding;
• The States concerned may also submit the case to the International Court of
Justice, whose decisions are binding (International justice).
Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)

Established by the Hague Conferences of 1899 and 1907 it is, as has often
been said, neither permanent nor a court. Rather, it consists of a list of
arbitrators (nominated by the parties to one or other of the Hague
conventions regarding the PCA). When a dispute is submitted to it, each of
the parties selects two arbitrators from the list (only one of whom may be its
own national or from the arbitrators it placed on the list), and they select a
fifth. The award is given by majority vote. The PCA has not been much used
since about 1930, but its Bureau has been active in facilitating ad hoc
arbitration.
Permanent mission
The name given to a mission of permanent character sent to the headquarters
of an international organization by a member state. The mission represents
the state at the organization; maintains liaison between it and the sending
state; negotiates with and within the organization; reports on its activities;
protects the sending state’s interests in relation to the organization; and
ensures the participation of the sending state in its activities (ordinarily it is
the mission’s personnel who participate on behalf of their state in the
meetings of the organization’s organs and committees). The head of mission
is called the state’s permanent representative to the organization.
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Permanent observer
A representative of a non-member state or of another international
organization who is accredited to such a body to act as an observer.
Persona non-grata
The term used by a receiving state to indicate that a diplomatic agent or a
consular officer is no longer acceptable as such. Anyone so designated must
be recalled by the sending state. Other members of a diplomatic mission or of
a consular post may also be declared unacceptable – but in their case the
Latin expression is not used. They too must then be recalled or their functions
with the mission or post terminated. A receiving state is not obliged to
explain its reasons for declaring a person persona non grata or unacceptable.
However, it is well understood that such reasons may include the belief that
the individual in question is engaged in espionage, connected with terrorism
or subversive activity, or has committed some other breach of the receiving
state’s criminal law.
Pour presenter (card)

Cards which used to be left by diplomats making formal calls on fellow
diplomats soon after their arrival in a capital. The practice seems now to have
been discontinued, not least because of the great increase in the size of the
average diplomatic corps.
Presentation of credentials
In as much as, formally speaking, an ambassador is the representative of the
sending state’s head of state accredited to the receiving state’s head of state, it
is natural that his or her letters of credence should be delivered personally to
the latter. At one time this was of real significance, because of the political
importance of monarchs. Now it is, in its essence, a ceremonial occasion only.
Indeed, it is no longer an essential prerequisite for an ambassador to take up
his functions.
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Preventive diplomacy
A term used by the UN’s second Secretary General, Dag Hammarskjöld, to
refer both to his ‘quiet diplomacy’ and to peacekeeping operations. It then fell
into disuse. But in 1992 the then secretary - general, Boutros Boutros-Ghali,
called for more ‚preventive diplomacy‛, by which he meant not just his
personal diplomatic activity but also fact-finding and the ‚preventive
deployment‛ of ‚peacekeeping‛ missions within and between states, the
latter not necessarily with the agreement of both sides.
Protocol
Rules of diplomatic procedure, notably those designed to accord to the
representatives of sovereign states and others, as well as different classes of
officers within them, the treatment in all official dealings to which their
recognized status entitles them. Public occasions present the most testing
times for such rules, and it is for this reason that a state’s chief of protocol has
in the past sometimes been known as its ‚master of ceremonies‛.
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Q
Qualified majority voting
The term for the system of weighted voting employed by the EU’s Council of
Ministers. The weighting of each member state’s votes is based on
population, though the system has always favored the smaller states. (In
practice, most decisions in the Council are still reached on the basis of
consensus.)
Quid pro quo

In negotiation, something given in return.
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R
Raison d’état
Shorthand for the doctrine that the moral codes generally prevailing in
relations between individuals may be ignored by government agencies if the
security of the state is in jeopardy. In other words, it is the doctrine that
governments may do anything, such as breaking promises, ordering
assassinations, or making alliances with heretics and infidels, if they believe
such actions are necessary to preserve the state. Originating in the thought
and practice of Renaissance Italy, where it was first labeled ragione di stato,
Richelieu was perhaps its most celebrated practitioner.
Rapprochement
An overcoming or putting aside of previous difficulties in relations between
states, a reconciliation and growth in intimacy. The term was commonly
employed to describe the improvement in relations – at first cautious and
slow, then dramatic and rapid – between the United States and Communist
China at the beginning of the 1970s: ‚the Sino-American rapprochement‛.
Ratification
The formal act whereby a state consents to be bound by a treaty which it has
already signed. Some treaties, in accordance with their terms, become
operative as from signature; but others require ratification for them to
become binding on the signatories.
Receiving state
The state to whose head a diplomatic mission is accredited. It is also
sometimes spoken of as the host state.
Reciprocity
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The principle stipulating that if one state acts in a certain way towards a
second, the latter is very likely (provided it is practical for it to do so) to claim
the right to reply in kind. Very influential, this principle underlies much state
behavior, diplomatic intercourse not least, and thus contributes to ensuring
the observance of legal obligations.
Recognition of government
The recognition by one state of a new government in another, especially one
which has come to power by unorthodox means.
Regulation of Vienna (1815)

A landmark in the development of diplomatic procedure which was agreed
at the Congress of Vienna. The Regulation divided diplomatic agents into
three classes:
 ambassadors, legates or nuncios (who alone had the representative
character);
 envoys, ministers or others, accredited to sovereigns; and
 chargés d’affaires, who were accredited only to the minister for foreign
affairs.
Representation of States in their relations with International Organizations

of Universal Character (Vienna Convention 1975)
This deals with the position (including the privileges and immunities) of
permanent missions, permanent observer missions, and of delegations to
organs of international organizations and to conferences convened by and
under the auspices of international organizations.
Reservation
A qualification made by a party to a treaty, resolution, or consensus
statement purporting to exclude itself from the operation of a particular
provision of the treaty. In principle, the validity of a reservation depends on
the consent of the other parties.
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Residence
The home of the head of mission while in the country of his or her
accreditation when distinct, as is now commonly the case, from the chancery
or embassy; it might be anything from a hotel room to a mansion.
Resolution
The standard form in which UN bodies, and other international
organizations, record their decisions, which may or may not be binding. The
resolution begins with a preamble which rehearses the background to the
subject in question and then proceeds to the operative paragraphs.
Roll-call voting
A method of voting used in international organizations and conferences in
which an officer calls the roll of member states, whose representatives then
answer ‚Yes‛, ‚No‛ or ‚Abstain‛ as the names are called. Latterly it has often
been replaced by electronic voting.
Rules of procedure
Rules agreed by a decision-making body to govern its proceedings. In
international relations a well-known instance is to be found in the Provisional
Rules of Procedure of the United Nations Security Council (as amended on 21
December 1982), which deal with the calling of meetings, production of the
agenda, representation and credentials, the presidency, the role of the
secretariat, conduct of business (including use of rapporteurs), voting,
official and working languages, publicity of meetings and records, admission
of new members, and relations with other UN organs, private individuals
and non-governmental organizations.
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S
Sanction
The means adopted to enforce a legal obligation. They may be utilized on an
individual or a collective basis. Under the Charter of the United Nations the
Security Council has the right to take or authorize measures, including armed
measures, in face of any threat to or breach of the peace; and in so doing it
may intervene in matters which are essentially within a state’s domestic
jurisdiction.
Secretariat
The collectivity of officials responsible for the administration of a body such
as an international organization.
Secretary General
A term sometimes used to designate an organization’s chief administrative
official – as, for example, in the case of the United Nations and in some
foreign ministries.
Secret diplomacy
Negotiations in regard to which any number of the following are kept secret:
(1) the content of the negotiations; (2) the fact that negotiations are going on;
(3) the content of any agreement successfully negotiated; or (4) the fact that
any agreement has been successfully negotiated.
Security Council
The United Nations organ with primary responsibility for the maintenance of
international peace and security. It was established in 1945 with 11 members,
five of whom were permanent members: Britain, China, France, the Union of
Soviet Socialist Republics (with the breakdown of the USSR in 1991 Russia
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inherited this seat), and the United States. As from 1966 the Council’s
membership was increased to 15 by raising the number of nonpermanent
members from six to ten. These members are elected by the General
Assembly for two-year terms.
Self-defense
States have an inherent right of self-defense, and also the right to defend
themselves on a collective basis with the assistance of their friends and
associates. According to the UN Charter, this right may be exercised only
until the Security Council has taken the measures necessary to maintain the
peace. The Council’s effective intervention, however, can by no means be
relied upon.
Service staff
The domestic staff of a diplomatic mission: drivers, cooks, gardeners and
cleaners.
Shuttle diplomacy
A term owing its origin to the frenetic diplomatic style of Henry A. Kissinger
following the October War of 1973. Urgently seeking to promote the
disengagement of Israeli forces from Egyptian and Syrian territory, the
number of flights between the capitals of the parties which he made during
two periods over the next seven months in pursuit of such a limited objective
was probably unprecedented for anyone of his seniority in the government of
a major power.
South Asian Association for Regional Development (SAARD)

An international organization established in 1985 by Bangladesh, Bhutan,
India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to promote, on a cooperative
basis, their economic and social development. Its headquarters is in
Kathmandu, Nepal.
South-East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO)

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One of the West’s Cold War alliances, set up in 1954 by Australia, Britain,
France, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, and the United States.
Differences between the members about policy in the region together with
the fact that some of them were rather geographically remote from it meant
that the alliance was never very effective; and in 1975 it was decided to wind
it up.
Sovereignty
A term which is used in a number of different ways, often causing confusion
due to a failure to distinguish between these distinct usages.
(1) The condition which makes a territorial entity eligible to participate fully
in international relations. (2) The ensemble of legal rights which are central to
a sovereign state’s external and internal activity. (3) The extent to which a
sovereign state is under no specific or general international obligations
regarding its internal behavior and decision making.(4) The extent to which a
sovereign state is under no external pressures regarding any aspect of its
behavior. (5) The power exercised by those who control a state’s decision-
making processes.
Special mission
A temporary mission consisting of either an individual or a group, which is
sent by one state to another for the purpose of dealing with it on specific
questions or of performing in relation to it a specific task. The head of such a
mission, who may be called a special ambassador or a special envoy, requires
credentials and the prior agreement of the second state to his or her arrival.
Before the establishment of permanent embassies with general functions all
diplomatic missions were special missions.
Special representative
(1) The title often given by the secretary-general of the United Nations to the
official who represents him at the head of a field mission which has some
markedly diplomatic responsibilities. Thus certain UN peacekeeping
operations have been headed by a special representative, such as those in
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Cyprus (1964–) and Namibia (1989–90). Sometimes such officials are
designated as ‚personal representative‛ or ‚representative‛. (2) An
alternative term for a special envoy.
State visit
A visit of a markedly ceremonial nature paid by one head of state to another.
Though usually of most importance for its symbolic significance and not,
unlike the summit, ending with an agreement or communiqué, the state visit
may provide a cover for important talks.
Status-quo
The existing state of affairs or things as they are now. Such a condition is, by
definition, beloved of conservatives.
Supranationalism
The situation which exists where, on matters within its competence, an
international organization has the legal power directly to bind natural and
legal persons within the member states. It is thus as if on these matters state
boundaries did not exist. This contrasts with the more usual organizational
situation where, even if such a body has the power to bind its members, it
only binds the state as such. The European Union is the sole instance (as at
the end of the twentieth century) of a supranational organization.
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T
Temporary diplomat
Someone temporarily attached to a diplomatic service in the capacity of a
diplomatic agent.
Terra nullius
Territory which is not under the jurisdiction of any state – and hence
available for peaceful annexation. To all intents and purposes the concept is
now a historical curiosity. Sometimes terra nullius was referred to as res
nullius.
Terrorism
The use of violence against civilians for political ends, including its use by
states themselves.
Test Ban Treaty

The 1963 treaty between the United States, the Soviet Union, and Britain,
which prohibited the testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere, in outer
space, or under water.
Third party
Any party (state, international organization, non-governmental organization,
or individual) not directly involved in a particular bilateral relationship. A
third party may for example be a non-party to a treaty between two other
states, to judicial proceedings, or to an event such as an armed conflict.
Third world
In French tiers monde, a term used to describe all of those states which possess
neither developed capitalist (first world) nor developed socialist (second
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world) political and economic systems. The emergence of this expression,
which has been attributed to its use by the French economist and geographer
Alfred Sauvy in an article in 1952, coincided with the major period of
decolonization in the 1950s and early 1960s. Originally described as
‚underdeveloped‛ but latterly as ‚less developed countries‛ (LDCs), third
world states were generally poor.
Trade officer
A non-diplomatic agent who serves in, and is very possibly the head of, a
state’s trade office or commercial office outside the capital city of the
receiving state. Sometimes such an officer is attached to a consular post, in
which case he or she is likely to enjoy, as of right, consular privileges and
immunities.
Treaty
An agreement whereby two or more states signify their intention to establish
a new legal relationship between themselves – one which, being legal,
involves the creation of binding obligations. In almost all cases treaties are in
written form and the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties confines the
term to written instruments.
Trusteeship Council
The organ of the United Nations set up to supervise the work of the states
administering those territories which became part of the trusteeship system.
It was a somewhat more intrusive body than that instituted by the mandates
system. However, as all such territories have moved away from this status
(most becoming sovereign states, but some integrating into adjacent states),
the Council has no remaining functions – but instead of being wound up it
has been left available for use as and where it may be required.
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U
Ultimatum
An announcement of a party’s non-negotiable demand or position, though
there are variations both in form and implication: (1) A formal
announcement that failure to undertake a specified action, usually by a
specified time, will result in a specified penalty, usually involving the use of
force; in other words, a very precise military threat. (2) An indication made
by one side during a negotiation (usually at a fairly advanced stage) of the
absolute minimum it is prepared to accept and/or the maximum it is willing
to concede: ‚this is an ultimatum – take it or leave it‛.
Unanimity rule
The taking of decisions in an international organization or an international
conference on the basis of unanimity, that is, on the basis of the expressed
agreement of all members or participants. In these circumstances each
member or participant has a veto. It used to be the norm, and for that reason
was generally applicable in the League of Nations. But since the Second
World War it has become much less common.
Unilateral declaration
A binding undertaking made unilaterally by a minister of one sovereign state
to another sovereign state. The undertaking may even be made orally.
United Nations
The UN is an international organization of truly global reach. It has 193
member States (summer 2008) and provides a forum for the discussion of all
topics of international significance.
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The UN promotes international peace and security, the defense of human
rights, the reduction of social inequalities, the protection of the environment,
and it provides humanitarian aid in international emergencies.
The main organs of the United Nations are the following:
 The General Assembly (representatives of the member States), which
deliberates on matters of international order;
 The Security Council (15 member States), which is responsible for the
 maintenance of international peace and security;
 The Secretariat, which is responsible for administrative matters and for
implementing the decisions of the other organs;
 The International Court of Justice, which is the principal judicial organ
of the UN (International justice);
 The Trusteeship Council which is not acting from 1994.
The United Nations System also includes 18 specialized agencies which are
legally independent international organizations linked to the United Nations
System through special agreements (for example, the World Health
Organization (WHO)).
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)

A declaration of the UN General Assembly passed in 1948 which set out the
basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which all men and women
everywhere in the world were deemed to be entitled.
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V
Vienna Congress (1814-1815)
The Congress of the powers, dominated by Metternich but not at the expense
of Talleyrand, which restored the international order in Europe following the
protracted convulsions of the Napoleonic Wars. For diplomacy, the
Regulation which it agreed solved at long last the serious problem of
precedence; while the restoration of the Swiss Confederation and the
guarantee by the congress of Switzerland’s permanent neutrality fortified a
tradition which was subsequently to prove of considerable value to the world
diplomatic system.
Visa
(1) Earlier visé (from viser, to look at), an entry in a passport providing
evidence that it has been examined and found correct. (2) A special
authorization (stamped or placed in a passport) to visit or to undertake paid
or business activity in a state. It is not infrequently required. Arriving
diplomats are not exempt from visa regulations.
A-l visa issued to diplomatic officers.
A-2 visa issued to clerical staff of Embassies and Consulates.
A-3 visa issued to servants of diplomats.
G visa issued to members of international organizations.
Vital interest
An interest considered so essential to the general well-being of a state that it
is one in defense of which it is prepared to go to war.
Virtual diplomacy
A term which refers to the impact on diplomacy of recent advances in
information technology.
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W
Waiver
The process whereby an ambassador, high commissioner, or consul expressly
sets aside the right of diplomatic or consular immunity which is normally
enjoyed by an individual on the staff of the mission in question. This is not a
frequent occurrence, and is only done after close consultation with the
ministry of foreign affairs of the sending state.
War
An armed conflict which has been formally instituted by a declaration of war
or the expiry of an ultimatum.
Warsaw Pact
Concluded in 1955 (and formally titled the Eastern European Mutual
Assistance Treaty), the Pact was a Cold War alliance between the Soviet
Union and her satellite states. It provided for a unified military command
(with its headquarters in Moscow) and placed an obligation on each member
to assist any signatory who was subject to attack in Eastern Europe. The Pact
was wound up in 1991.
Weighted voting
The system adopted in certain international organizations, notably the
International Monetary Fund, the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development, and the European Union, of allocating votes in proportion to
the ‚weight‛ of the members or the size of their financial or other
contributions to them.
Westphalian system
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The congress at which an end to the Thirty Years’ War was negotiated. It had
venues at two Westphalian towns: Catholic Münster, to which were assigned
the plenipotentiaries of France; and Protestant Osnabrück, 55 kilometers
removed, to which were assigned those of Sweden. Westphalian model of the
world and its subsequent modifications were state-centrist: state recognized
only actor in international relations, which actually was understood as the
interstate; state sovereignty is a fundamental principle.
World Bank
The World Bank was founded in 1944 to combat poverty. Its instruments
include the granting of long-term loans, the transfer of knowledge, the
strengthening of infrastructures and the setting of up partnerships with both
public and private sector organizations.
World Trade Organization (WTO)

The WTO was founded in 1995 as the successor to the General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which was established just after the Second World
War. The WTO is thus one of the newest International organizations. The main
aim of the WTO is to promote and to harmonize international trade. The
WTO administers existing trade agreements, serves as a forum for the
negotiation of new agreements, provides technical assistance and training to
developing countries in the field of trade policy, monitors national trade
policies, and helps settle trade disputes.
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CONCEPT OF THE FOREIGN POLICY

OF THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN
Approved by the Decree

of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan
on 27 January 2015, №332
CONCEPT
of the foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan
1. General Provisions
1.1. The Concept of the foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan

(hereinafter «the Concept») is a political act, which determines and regulates
major principles, objectives, obligations and priority directions of the foreign
policy of the Republic of Tajikistan based on the long-term national interests
of the country.
1.2. Elaboration and adoption of the Concept is necessitated by the

specification of goals, tasks and directions of the foreign policy of the
Republic of Tajikistan in terms of transformations of political, social,
economic and cultural life of the country and formation of a new geopolitical
image in the world and the region in the second decade of the XXI century.
The Concept provides for elaboration and pursuance of the foreign policy
that facilitates an adaptation of a progress of the country with increasing
processes of integration, regionalization and globalization, creates new
auspicious facilities to prevent and curb potential risks and challenges
threatening national security and lays down a solid ground for consistent
realization of national interests based on objectiveness and balance.
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1.3. The legal framework of the Concept consists of the Constitution of the
Republic of Tajikistan, laws and statutory-legal acts regulating activity of the
state authorities of the country in the sphere of the foreign policy and as well
as comprised of international legal instruments recognized by the Republic of
Tajikistan.
1.4. Republic of Tajikistan reaffirming its commitment to international

accepted legal acts, carries out its foreign policy on the basis of the following
principles:
- recognition of equality, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity,

inviolability of borders, non-use or threat of force in international relations,
commitment to the peaceful solution of disputes and conflicts and non-
interference in the internal affairs of each other;
- respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;
- fulfillment of obligations arising from international law;
- observance of the rule of international law in international relations;
- deideologization of interstate relations, establishment and intensification of

equal and mutually beneficial relationship with countries all over the world;
- non-acceptance of any form of violation of human rights in the international

practice.
1.5. The Concept reflects national interests of the Republic of Tajikistan in the
field of the foreign policy, which at present and in the near future consist of
the following:
-protection and strengthening of the national independence of Tajikistan and

its national security; establishment of security belt and good neighborliness
along the borders of the country;
-enhancement of relations of confidence, friendship and cooperation with

countries all over the world based on mutual interests;
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-creation of favorable conditions for economic, social and cultural
development and the gradual improvement of the living standard of the
people and reinforcement of economic security of the country;
-promotion of energy independence of Tajikistan, food security and a break-

up of the country's communication deadlock;
- protection of the rights and freedoms, dignity and interests of citizens of

Tajikistan inside and outside the country;
- reinforcement of the positive image of Tajikistan in the world as a

democratic, secular and legal state;
- assistance to constructive and legitimate activities of Tajik societies and

associations of compatriots in other countries.
2. Republic of Tajikistan in the System of International Relations
2.1. The realities of the second decade of the XXI century evidence that
international relations are still in transition and the system of multipolar
world is still emerging. Deep political and economic changes emerge on the
geopolitical landscape of the modern world that is fraught with the
transformation of international relations.
2.2. Ever-increasing process of globalization is recognized as the most

important peculiarity of the present time. This process, along with the
stimulation of closer links between peoples and nations and setting up all-
embracing system of political and economic, scientific and cultural
connections, it may simultaneously cause undesirable effects, such as
increasing a gap between developed and underdeveloped countries, the
increase in pressure on the national and cultural values of the peoples and
etc. Moreover, under immediate impact of globalization processes modern
threats and challenges gained global significance and became a factor of
concern of humanity. These threats and challenges are grouped as follows:
- uneven development and economic inequality, increasing competition for

access to world markets and strategic resources, deepening financial and
economic crises;
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- growth of international terrorism, drug trafficking and weapons smuggling,
transnational organized crime;
- rise of political and religious extremism, ethnic and racial conflicts,

civilization and ideological clashes;
- domestic and regional conflicts, fanaticism and ethnic and racial separatism,
escalation of political tensions in different parts and regions of the world;
- intensification of demographic problems, poverty and indigence,

unemployment and massive uncontrolled migration;
- lack or deficit of essential material resources, above all water and nutrition;
- climate change, ecological and sanitary-epidemiological challenges.
2.3. Along with these challenges which threaten security of the system of
international relations, including the security of the Republic of Tajikistan as
an integral part of this system, there are also the following regional factors
that are known as hazardous to the national interests of the Republic of
Tajikistan:
- in virtue of its geographical location, Republic of Tajikistan’s location in the

spotlight of the geopolitical interests of the modern world;
- Tajikistan’s proximity to conflict-prone regions, to sources of terrorism,

fundamentalists’ training centers and drug production zones;
- expansion of terrorist and extremist groups, fundamentalist parties and

movements in the region;
- probability to use territory of the country for cross-border drug trafficking

and dissemination of extremist ideology;
- unresolved issues of delimitation and demarcation of borders between the

countries of the region and probability of an eruption of conflict among
ethnic groups and peoples in the region;
- presence of various types of obstacles towards efficient regional integration,

free movement of people and unhindered movement of goods and services;
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- lack of genuine cooperation in the effective water and energy resources
management in the region;
- exacerbation of demographic and environmental challenges in the region

and their possible use to create tension in the country.
The foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan will be developed and

implemented taking into account the current global threats and challenges
and regional factors.
2.4. Prevailing and the major task of the foreign policy of the Republic of
Tajikistan in the long term is to protect the supreme interests of the state in
the international arena that will be implemented by means of building
external favorable conditions for overall sustainable development,
strengthening foundations of national independence and sovereignty of
Tajikistan and continued efforts to reach agreement and respect of mutual
interests with foreign states and international organizations in the course of
an implementation of foreign policy priorities of the country.
2.5. To achieve this goal, Republic of Tajikistan will implement an

independent multi-vector foreign policy that meets the supreme state and
national interests aiming at building friendly and mutually beneficial
relations with other countries based on unconditional respect for
international law.
2.6. Taking into account geopolitical position of the Republic of Tajikistan,

given natural and demographic resources and the rate of its socio-economic
development, country's foreign policy will be pursued based on the
principles of objectiveness and pragmatism. It is inseparably linked with
economic needs of the country and is aimed at strengthening and expansion
of trade and economic collaboration of the Republic of Tajikistan in the
system of global economic relations and political and diplomatic support of
the country's economic interests.
2.7. The foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan is known as "open doors",
peace-seeking and objective policy in the course of pursuance of which
Tajikistan stands ready to build up friendly relations with all countries and
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recognize shared interests based on reciprocal respect, equality and mutually
beneficial cooperation.
2.8. The foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan is a transparent and

predictable policy which is based on the principle of recognition and
commitment of the country to international treaties and generally accepted
rules of international law.
2.9. The foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan in its inter-state relations
with neighboring countries and the region pursues a policy of friendship,
good neighborliness and non-intervention in the internal affairs of each other,
which is aimed at creating a confidence and security belt along the borders of
the country. This policy aims to the peaceful resolution of all outstanding
matters, including border, water and energy issues through dialogue and
negotiations based on mutual understanding of parties concerned and
respect of the principle of equal and indivisible security in the region.
2.10. Taking into account progressive development of the processes of

political and economic multilateral and multi-level integration in the system
of international relations, the foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan aims
to ensure active participation of the country in international and regional
organizations, whereby Tajikistan intends to noticeably contribute to the
strengthening of security, stability, cooperation and constructive
international dialogue and take advantage of these organizations to ensure
sustainable development of the country.
2.11. Based on expansion of important geopolitical regional, international and

globalization processes of the modern world, Republic of Tajikistan in
practice acknowledges a balance between globalization processes and the
national interests of each country, respect for the sovereignty and
independence of any state, creation of equal opportunities, formation of
overall security system and promotion of decent conditions for each state and
the people, regardless of its potential, role and importance in the geopolitical
distribution of resources as the most important and vital rules of the world
order. Tajikistan is convinced that globalization and national interests should
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complement each other and provide a reliable guarantee for sustainable
development of international relations.
2.12. The Republic of Tajikistan is in favor that emerging new world system
should completely be free from wars and conflicts, cruelty and violence,
religious and cultural fanaticism and xenophobia and be based on equal
cooperation and partnership of all countries in the world, and all sorts of
threats to international and regional peace and stability must be eliminated
by consensus and constructive dialogue on the basis of international law,
primarily the UN Charter as the principal organization governing
2.13. The Republic of Tajikistan supports establishment of effective

mechanisms of the consonance of national interests and international efforts,
consolidation of aspirations of all states to the cause of the formation of
adequate measures to resist modern threats and challenges. At the national
level, Tajikistan undertakes political, legal, informative, socio-economic and
specific measures with the view to strengthening key aspects of the foreign
policy in countering international terrorism, extremism, illegal drug
trafficking, weapons smuggling, religious fanaticism, illegal migration,
environmental risks, climate change and threats to information and food
security.
3. Foreign Policy Priorities of the Republic of Tajikistan
The Republic of Tajikistan identifies and implements its foreign policy

priorities based on objectives of the state and supreme national interests.
Geopolitical and geo-economic features of today's world predetermine that

priorities should regularly be reviewed. They may be subject to change based
on the level and the content of relationship of the Republic of Tajikistan with
individual states or group of states, international and regional organizations,
as well as due to the national and state needs.
3.1. Bilateral Diplomacy (Bilateral Relations)
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The Republic of Tajikistan believes that long-term and stable relations with its
traditional partners – members of the Commonwealth of Independent States
meets its political, economic and cultural interests and taking into account a
concept of diverse and multi-level integration within the Commonwealth it
will seek to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with the members of the
Commonwealth of Independent States.
Given the position of the Russian Federation in the world and the region,
intensification and strengthening of traditionally friendly relations and
strategic partnership with this country is of particular importance for the
Republic of Tajikistan.
Extension of relations with the Russian Federation on the basis of equality

and mutually beneficial cooperation in political, defense, military-technical,
economic, trade, investment, labor migration, science and education,
information, cultural and other areas meets national interests of the Republic
of Tajikistan and is considered to be an important factor of regional peace and
stability.
Neighboring states in the countries of the region are prioritized in the system
of international relations of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Tajikistan supports further promotion of centuries-old and friendly

coexistence of the peoples of Central Asia.
The importance and necessity of equal and mutually beneficial, selfless and
strong relationship are the determining factors in relations with the Republic
of Uzbekistan.
The Republic of Tajikistan in its policy will always adhere to the principle of
mutual respect, constructive cooperation and goodwill in respect of this
neighboring state.
Common goals and challenges the countries of the region are facing,
determine the need to expand and deepen relations with Kazakhstan,
Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan on the basis of confidence, friendship and
mutually beneficial cooperation.
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The Republic of Tajikistan believes interaction and extensive regional
integration is an important toolkit to address economic, social and
environmental challenges and build lasting peace and genuine stability in
Central Asia.
Increased cooperation with Ukraine, Republic of Belarus, Republic of

Moldova, Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Republic of Armenia is one of
the most important objectives of the foreign policy of the Republic of
Tajikistan. Continued and sustainable development of these countries since
the onset of a new millennium has enabled necessary conditions to achieve
this goal.
Strengthening good-neighborly and friendly relations and mutually

beneficial cooperation with People’s Republic of China is one of the most
important dimensions of the foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan in the
Asian sector. These relationships thanks to the will and efforts of both sides
assumed a significance of strategic partnership and created a favorable
ground for the progressive build-up of comprehensive cooperation in
political, security, military-technical, trade, economic and cultural areas.
The Republic of Tajikistan is in favor of a quick restoration of lasting peace in

the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and affirms that enduring peace, security
and political stability of the neighboring state meets its national interests.
The Republic of Tajikistan supports the efforts of the international

community and the Afghan government aimed at a comprehensive solution
of the Afghan conflict and the economic rehabilitation of the country's
transition to a self-sufficient Afghanistan and based on historical, linguistic
and cultural affinities between the two nations considers the deepening of
multifaceted mutually beneficial cooperation with this friendly and
neighboring country as a priority of its foreign policy.
Factor of historical, linguistic and cultural community plays essential role in

relations of the Republic of Tajikistan with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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The Republic of Tajikistan will further continue to expand strong relations of
friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation with this country on the basis
of bilateral and multilateral formats.
Acceleration of the process of economic reform in Tajikistan and the gradual

integration of the national economy in the global economic system
determines progressive development of political, economic and cultural ties
with highly developed countries of the world.
Adoption and the use of experience of these countries in economy, social,

science and technology, culture and cutting-edge technology will contribute
to further political and economic prosperity of the Republic of Tajikistan.
The Republic of Tajikistan taking into account enormous authority and the
role of the United States of America in global politics and economy will
continue to make efforts to boost multifaceted ties with this country and
sustain strong partnership relations based on the principle of shared interests.
With due account of the rapid pace of development and the growing
international importance of the North, Central and South America, in
particular Canada, Republic of Cuba, United Mexican States, Federal
Republic of Brazil and Argentine Republic, Tajikistan attaches an increasing
importance on these countries, and consequently, establishment of fruitful
cooperation with these nations meets its national interests.
A positive breakthrough has occurred in the relationship between Tajikistan

and the European Union since the beginning of the XXI century and this
trend is increasing with every passing year.
In view of promoting development of the major areas of the national

economy, Tajikistan acknowledges the European Union as one of its most
important economic partners and will continue to seek expansion and
deepening of the long-term sustainable cooperation with this influential
interstate association on the basis of the principle of shared benefit.
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This interaction in general will embrace all European institutions, including
European Parliament, Council of Europe, European Investment Bank and
other organizations and agencies.
Meanwhile, strengthening and reinforcement of bilateral multifaceted

cooperation with the European countries, including Federal Republic of
Germany, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, French
Republic, Italian Republic, Kingdom of Spain, Swiss Confederation, Kingdom
of Belgium, Republic of Austria, Czech Republic, Republic of Poland and the
Baltic states is of paramount importance for the Republic of Tajikistan.
The Republic of Tajikistan in order to penetrate into emerging markets of

capital, technology, raw materials and industrial products is committed to
strengthen mutually beneficial relations with the countries of Southeast Asia,
including Japan, Republic of Korea, Kingdom of Thailand, Republic of
Indonesia, Malaysia, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Singapore and other
countries of the region considering this trend as one of the most important
guidelines in its foreign policy. The state of bilateral relations with these
countries creates an enabling opportunity to achieve this goal.
The Republic of Tajikistan is keen to expand multifaceted cooperation with

Japan as a reliable partner and donor-country and is committed to further
develop relations with country, both directly and through international
financial institutions.
The Republic of Tajikistan welcomes an intensification of mutually beneficial

cooperation with the Republic of Turkey in different areas, including
attraction of Turkish investments into the economy of Tajikistan.
Taking into account the role and influence of the Republic of India in the
region and the world, given a centuries-old experience of historical and
cultural ties of the Tajik and Indian peoples, as well as its tremendous
economic and technological capabilities, Tajikistan will gradually expand and
deepen multifaceted cooperation with India.
Strengthening political interaction and growth of fruitful economic

cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan with regard to its trade and
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economic opportunities and geo-strategic position has a special meaning for
the Republic of Tajikistan.
In view of the interests of the Arab States of the Gulf, including Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia, State of Qatar, State of Kuwait and United Arab Emirates to
investing in economic projects of national and regional significance in
Tajikistan, the Republic of Tajikistan seeks to deepen mutually beneficial
cooperation with the countries of the Gulf. In order to strengthen relations
with the Arab world, Tajikistan remains committed to bolster cooperation
with regional organizations, in particular with the League of Arab States.
Considering international prestige and importance of the Arab Republic of

Egypt in regional and world politics, the Republic of Tajikistan is interested
to expand cooperative relationship with this country.
The Republic of Tajikistan considers African continent as a promising

guideline for the fruitful cooperation in different areas.
In this context, the Republic of Tajikistan will exert efforts to establish

cooperative links with the Arab countries of North Africa - Kingdom of
Morocco, People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Republic of Tunisia, State
of Libya and the countries of central and southern parts of this continent,
particularly South Africa Republic and Republic of Mozambique.
In the Pacific direction there new opportunities are being opened up on the
example of Australia and New Zealand for the increased collaborative
relations in many areas. The use of these opportunities is one of the most
important foreign policy objectives of the Republic of Tajikistan.
3.2. Multilateral Diplomacy (Multilateral Relations)
In terms of rapid increase in the globalization process and progressive

deepening of political and economic integration in the world, multilateral
cooperation with international and regional organizations and institutions is
a priority of the foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan.
The Republic of Tajikistan recognizes these organizations and institutions as

an important mechanism for advancing joint efforts to combat modern
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threats and challenges, as unique platform for the resolution of disputes and
problems in international relations and as an effective tool for promoting
international peace and stability. In order to contribute to the formation of a
new and equitable system of international and regional relations, as well as to
protect and promote its own national interests, Republic of Tajikistan takes
an active part in the activity of these institutions.
In this context, relationship with the United Nations, Organization for

Security and Cooperation in Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States,
Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Collective Security Treaty Organization,
Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Economic Cooperation Organization,
Asian Cooperation Dialogue, Conference on Interaction and Confidence
Building Measures in Asia and the international financial institutions is
priority.
The Republic of Tajikistan is in favor of strengthening the coordinating role of

the United Nations in the XXI century and recognizes the UN as the sole
institute regulating international relations authorized to make decisions
related to collective actions to protect peace and maintain security of the
international system.
The Republic of Tajikistan believes that with the view of an adaptation of the
UN actions to the needs and realities of today's world, a comprehensive
reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council is the call of the
times.
Protection of national interests and the active promotion of productive

initiatives and proposals of the Republic of Tajikistan in the United Nations,
its specialized agencies, as well as efforts aimed at obtaining membership of
the Republic of Tajikistan in the principal bodies of the UN are one of the key
objectives of the foreign policy of the country.
The Republic of Tajikistan considers comprehensive cooperation with the

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
in compliance with its national interests and intends to efficiently use
resources of this organization as a platform to demonstrate spiritual and
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cultural achievements of the Tajik people, as well as protect and revive its
tangible heritage.
The Republic of Tajikistan is supportive of increased cooperation with the

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and its institutions and
intends to make good use of their expertise, political and intellectual
capability in the democratization of society, protection of human rights and
fundamental freedoms, security and stability and addressing economic and
environmental challenges.
Participation in the activities of the Commonwealth of Independent States

(CIS) and the strengthening of cooperation with the States Parties is one of
the priorities of the foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan. Tajikistan
highly values the role of the CIS in the preservation and development of
traditional relations between States Parties on a new platform based on the
concept of multi-level integration.
The Republic of Tajikistan considers the establishment of different bodies of

economic and security integration under the umbrella of the CIS, such as the
Eurasian Economic Union, Common Economic Space, Customs Union,
Collective Security Treaty Organization as a genuine manifestation of the
integration processes in the post-Soviet space and will contribute to their
development and improvement. Furthermore, considering national interests
and with the view of exploitation of their potential and opportunities for the
country's needs it will facilitate development and reinforcement of these
processes.
The active participation of the Republic of Tajikistan in the Shanghai

Cooperation Organization aims to strengthen good-neighborly ties, relations
of confidence and friendship among the Member States and observers of the
Organization, as well as security and stability and sustainable development
in the region. Tajikistan stands for the further growth of authority and the
role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the deepening of economic
relations, implementation of infrastructural projects and promotion of
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cooperation in the field of environmental protection and enhancement of
cultural dialogue for the sake of the regional integration.
The Republic of Tajikistan viewing historical, cultural, civilization and

religious commonality with Islamic countries unwaveringly supports fruitful
cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its institutions.
Tajikistan due to the vital and urgent need to uplift prosperity and
development of the Islamic world into a new level and eliminate existing and
urgent hardships, considers it appropriate to develop and implement
Development Strategy of the Islamic Countries, whose key objective should
be quality, steady and balanced economic, spiritual and cultural growth of
the OIC Member States.
The Republic of Tajikistan in its foreign policy places a primary emphasis on

the strengthening fruitful cooperation with the Economic Cooperation
Organization and acknowledges it as a regional organization with a specific
geostrategic importance and enormous economic potential.
The Republic of Tajikistan is committed to help revitalize and extend the

Organization's activities in terms of an implementation of regional projects in
economic, trade, transport, communications and energy fields.
The Republic of Tajikistan is committed to contribute to consolidation of

efforts to address the crucial issues of the Asian continent, intensify and
enrich a content of interaction within the framework of the Asian
Cooperation Dialogue and to reinforce its role.
The Republic of Tajikistan among agreed areas of cooperation within the

framework of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue attaches paramount
importance to poverty reduction, environmental protection, sustainable
access of the population of the Asian continent to basic needs, improving
people’s preparedness for disaster risks management, expansion and
deepening of regional and inter-regional platform for cooperation in the
energy sector.
The Republic of Tajikistan fully supporting the idea of building confidence

and security belt in Asia and enhancement of productive cooperation in this
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area shall undertake necessary measures to improve its relations with the
Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).
Tajikistan values the opportunity of the Conference essential in collective

exploration of tools and remedies to address the challenges and eliminate
transnational and cross-border risks on the continent and strengthen cohesion
between the participating States.
The Republic of Tajikistan values intensification of inclusive interaction with

its partners to strengthen national and state security as one of the priorities of
its foreign policy and considers its membership in the Collective Security
Treaty Organization (CSTO) in compliance with the national interests. The
activity of the Republic of Tajikistan in the Organization is aimed at the
establishment of effective mechanisms to address modern threats and
challenges.
In this context, the country's membership in the Organization, along with the
presence of the military base of the Russian Federation in the Republic of
Tajikistan is one of the prominent factors of ensuring national security and
the maintenance of stability in the region.
Tajikistan being a party to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO)

"Partnership for Peace" Program considers it important to interact with the
Organization in order to promote security and stability and build an
atmosphere of confidence throughout the Eurasian space.
With the view of implementing priorities of its foreign policy, the Republic of
Tajikistan enhances multilateral cooperation with its partners in trilateral and
quadrilateral formats and is determined to make good use of these platforms
of constructive dialogue for the benefit of strengthening friendly relations
and cultural connections and identification of effective toolkit to counter new
threats and challenges.
3.3. Economic Diplomacy
Rapid geo-economic evolution of contemporary world and global economic

trends predetermine ever-growing importance of economic diplomacy and
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continued improvement of the economic aspects of the role of topical issues
in international policy. In this regard, efficient and reasonable use of means
and tools of economic diplomacy is one of the priorities of Tajikistan's foreign
policy strategy that would facilitate achievement of national and public goals.
In this context, attraction of foreign investment, integration of the Republic of

Tajikistan in the regional and global economy and promotion of economic
security of the country are essential to stimulate economy.
With the aim to encourage bilateral and multilateral foreign economic

relations and lead international economic cooperation it is necessary to
implement the following tasks:
- protect economic interests of the Republic of Tajikistan in the system of

international economic relations, security and strengthening of the national
actors access into the orbit of world economic relations and their effective
functioning in this space;
- create external favorable conditions for the strengthening and expansion of

the economic potential of the economic ground of the country;
- set up co-operation aimed at improvement of the regulatory framework of

the "green economy" through cutting-edge expertise and the availability of
the country's favorable conditions and implement mutually beneficial
international cooperation in this field;
- facilitates the country’s connectivity to the international and regional

transport, energy and communication basis;
- build favorable trading opportunities and protect the interests of domestic

business within the framework of international economic relations;
- attract foreign investment, government and commercial companies of other

countries and compatriots living abroad to participate in the implementation
of large-scale infrastructural, energy and transport projects of regional
significance;
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- promote active participation in the World Trade Organization with the
view to protect and promote national interests in the global trade and
economic arena;
- encourage multifaceted cooperation with the regional economic

commissions of the United Nations, UN donor agencies to facilitate an
implementation of national development strategies aiming to create a solid
ground for sustainable development of the country;
- deepen cooperation with international and regional financial institutions,

including the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development
Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Islamic
Development Bank, Eurasian Development Bank and European Investment
Bank and the others in order to promote the country's access to soft credits
and grant financial resources;
- promote trade and economic ties with neighboring countries as an element

of trust and security zone along the borders of the country.
3.4. Water Cooperation Diplomacy
Due to a population growth, expansion of agricultural land, irrational use of

water resources, climate change and environmental challenges, the issues of
lack of drinking water, utilization of large and small transboundary rivers
and other water related issues turned into a factor that highly affect
On this point, Central Asia is one of the sensitive regions and Tajikistan as a
country with abundant water resources advocates fair and efficient use of
these resources through regional and international cooperation. It believes
that continued promotion of water cooperation diplomacy is the only tool for
tackling water related issues. In particular, continuation of regional
cooperation within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the
Aral Sea seems to remain important.
The Republic of Tajikistan in accordance with the Charter of the United

Nations and international law has the right to use its natural resources,
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including water to ensure the country's sustainable development and decent
living conditions for its people.
The Republic of Tajikistan applies this right with regard to the use of water
resources on the basis of shared regional interests, building on the principles
of good neighborliness, respect and genuine mutual interests, inclusive
dialogue and cooperation to respond to the existing challenges. Tajikistan as
the upstream country and main source of water resources in Central Asia will
never create obstacles under any circumstances to the water supply in the
region. Acknowledging this principal stance, promotion of energy
independence and efforts to address challenges in this area in the spirit of
equal partnership and regional cooperation is set forth as one of the priorities
of foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan.
The Republic of Tajikistan is consciously carrying out water cooperation

diplomacy and leads a goal to play a decisive role in resolving water-related
issues on the world stage. This diplomacy in the light of constructive
initiatives in the water sector ("The International Year of Fresh Water, 2003",
"International Decade of Action "Water for Life", 2005-2015", "The
International Year of Water Cooperation, 2013") that have been welcomed
and supported by the international community, stipulates an implementation
of new initiatives within the framework of regional and international
organizations, particularly under the United Nations.
The purpose of these steps is to notice the need for and promoting the ideas
of productive interaction in addressing water challenges in order to preserve
the life and prosperity of human civilization.
In this connection, one of the priorities of the foreign policy of the Republic of
Tajikistan is to ensure the country's leading role in water issues in the region
and in the international arena, which corresponds to the national interests
and aspirations of the international community.
3.5. Cultural and Humanitarian Diplomacy
Growing trend of globalization has unprecedentedly expanded close

relations between nations and countries that enable ample opportunities for
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the access of humanity to the latest and valuable achievements of civilization
and the use of yields of creative thoughts of the people.
Along with this, material and spiritual problems of mankind gain a global
significance, which cause an increase in pressure on the national cultural
traditions and values of the people and an outbreak of a clash of civilizations.
Under these circumstances, realization of cultural and humanitarian

diplomacy, which taking into account positive and negative trends of
globalization it provides spiritual existence, protection and preservation of
indigenous national and cultural values of the Tajik people, promotion of
decent introduction of the Republic of Tajikistan on the international scene as
a country with ancient history and culture and as the modern democratic and
legal state, expansion of cultural and humanitarian cooperation with the
countries all over the world to ensure positive perception of Tajikistan and its
people are determined as one of the priorities of the foreign policy of the
Republic of Tajikistan.
Achieving the objectives of cultural and humanitarian diplomacy necessitates

Tajikistan to implement the following tasks of its foreign policy:
- improvement of the legal framework of cultural ties with foreign countries

and regional and international organizations;
- protection of the rights, interests and dignity of citizens, including migrant

workers of the Republic of Tajikistan abroad via establishing overarching
framework and expansion of consular offices of the Republic of Tajikistan in
regions where nationals of the country reside;
- cultural, humanitarian, educational and legal support of compatriots abroad

on the basis of international law and international treaties of the Republic of
Tajikistan, promotion of associations of compatriots abroad and the
protection of ethnic and cultural identity, including native language within
the laws of the countries of their residence;
- promotion of constructive activity of the Forum of Tajiks and Persian-

speaking nations to the cause of strengthening ties with foreign nationals,
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ABC of Diplomacy
application of their potential and might for the development of political,
economic, spiritual and cultural interaction, creating an atmosphere of
interest and friendly relationship of the international community and
international political circles with Tajikistan and its people;
- with the aim to bolster development of international tourism and attract

tourists to the country, delivery of assistance to creating appropriate
conditions for the stay and visits of foreign citizens to Tajikistan;
- facilitate the establishment of interfaith dialogue with an emphasis on

historical experience and contribution of Tajiks to the formation of religious
and civilization tolerance.
3.6. Information Diplomacy
Due to unprecedented progress in technology and the latest advances in

information and telecommunications in the second decade of the XXI
century, traditional notion of distance and temporal space undergone radical
changes and a new manifestation of civilization – information is formed.
A fulcrum of information civilization is consisted of unlimited publication

and boundless exchange of information, development of Internet
technologies and the expansion of satellite communication, dissemination
and broadcast of news and information, as well as formation and
development of digital diplomacy.
Under these conditions, global information space is transformed into a

foreground of a clash of political, economic and cultural interests of the
power centers of the modern world, an effective tool for shaping public
opinion and its orientation in the interests of certain groups and circles.
In line with development of the global information space along with positive
factors that enable wide access to the latest achievements of civilization, there
is a negative trend fraught with a risk for the information security of states,
including for the Republic of Tajikistan.
In light of this, information diplomacy of the Republic of Tajikistan has

identified promotion of information security as its primary purpose and
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ABC of Diplomacy
within the advocacy and implementation of this objective; Tajikistan shall
implement the following tasks:
- encourage real and accurate communication to the wider international

community perception of domestic and foreign policy of the Republic of
Tajikistan;
- present and promote achievements and prospects of socio-economic

development of the country and its cultural and scientific progress;
- promote the country's friendly climate for investment, fruitful economic

cooperation and tourism development;
- deliver aid to creating effective means of information impact on foreign

public opinion in order to encourage positive recognition of Tajikistan
abroad;
- contribute to country’s media empowerment in the international

information space;
- establish noticeable international cooperation in the field of information;
- timely and effectively response to cybercrime and information threats on

state independence and national interests of the Republic of Tajikistan,
historical shrines and spiritual and ethical values of the Tajik people.
Pursuance of information diplomacy of the Republic of Tajikistan shall be

based on a broad application of modern information and communication
facilities. The Republic of Tajikistan stubbornly adheres to the development
of a set of international legal and ethical standards on information security
and its full compliance in the global information space.
4. Development and Implementation of the Foreign Policy of the Republic

of Tajikistan
The President of the Republic of Tajikistan in accordance with his

constitutional authority determines the foreign policy of the country and as
head of state represents Republic of Tajikistan in international relations.
217
ABC of Diplomacy
Majlisi Milli (Upper Chamber) and Majlisi Namoyandagon (Lower Chamber)
of Majlisi Oli (Parliament) of the Republic of Tajikistan under their
constitutional powers provide legislation for the implementation of the
foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan and the fulfillment of international
obligations.
The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan participates in the

implementation of foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan, promotes the
fulfillment of its international obligations and stimulates an introduction of
the country in the foreign states and international organizations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an executive body in accordance with the

Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan exercises public administration in
the field of external relations of the Republic of Tajikistan with foreign states
and international organizations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly implements foreign policy that

entrusted with the task to coordinate the activity of government authorities of
Tajikistan within the country and abroad on issues associated with the
foreign policy. All government authorities carry out their foreign relations
through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan.
In the course of decision-making processes on the implementation of the

foreign policy, public opinion shall be taken into account through an
interaction of executive authorities with the Council on Foreign Policy under
the President of the Republic of Tajikistan. The Council deliberates on the
process of an implementation of the country’s foreign policy, reviews and
recommendations aimed at improvement and enhancement of its efficiency.
218
ABC of Diplomacy
Bibliography
1. Борисенко И.И., Евтушенко Л.И. Английский язык в

международных документах (право, торговля, дипломатия):
Ушебное пособие. – К: ООО «ИП Логос». – 480 с.
2. Блинкова Л.М. Деловая и дипломатишеская переписка на
иностранном языке. Ушебно-методишеский комплекс. Минск., 2012.
3. Andrew Littlejohn. Company to company. A new approach to business
correspondence in English. Cambridge University Press. 1993.
4. Berridge G.R., Alan James. A dictionary of Diplomacy. University of
Leicester , Great Britain, 2001.
5. Dembinski, Ludwig, The Modern Law of Diplomacy. External Missions of
States and International Organisations. Nijhoff: Dordrecht, 1988, for the
United Nations Institute for Training and Research.
6. Denza Eileen, Diplomatic Law: Commentary on the Vienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations, 2nd edition (Clarendon Press: Oxford, 1998.
7. Feltham R. Diplomatic handbook. Minsk: LLC ‚New Knowledge‛,
2000.
8. Graham Evans, Jeffrey Newnham The Penguin Dictionary of
International Relations. Penguin Book, 1998.
9. Nicolson Harold, Diplomacy, 3rd edition. Oxford University Press:
London, 1969.
10.Wood, John R. and Jean Serres, Diplomatic Ceremonial and Protocol:
Principles, procedures and practices. Macmillan: London, 1970.
Internet websites:
1. http://www.mfa.tj – official website of the Ministry of foreign affairs
of the Republic of Tajikistan.
2. http://www.lib.tsulbp.tj – electronic library of the Tajik State
University of Law, Business and Politics.
219
ABC of Diplomacy
ABC OF DIPLOMACY
(instructional-methodical manual)
Authors:
Z.R.Rustamzoda.
D.S.Negmatova,
H.H.Egamnazarov
Editor:
N.U.Pulodova - candidate of philological science, docent.
Technical editor:
Eshmatov J.
Technological Park
of Tajik State University of law, business and politics,
Khujand city, micro-region 17/1.
Size: 60x84 1/16. Palatino Linotype

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ABC of Diplomacy

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF

TAJIK STATE UNIVERSITY OF LAW, BUSINESS AND POLITICS

Z.R.RUSTAMZODA, D.S.NEGMATOVA, H.H.EGAMNAZAROV

This book is dedicated to

ББК 66.49 (англ.) This book was approved at Academic-

ABC of Diplomacy. (Instructional-methodical manual). Khujand:

Authors: Z.R.Rustamzoda. D.S.Negmatova, H.H.Egamnazarov

Reviewers: M.A.Akmalova – doctor of political science.

CHAPTER II. CONFERENCE DIPLOMACY

LESSON I. DIPLOMATIC LANGUAGE

The expression "diplomatic language" is used to denote three different

ambiguity (1) двусмысленность, двусмысленное

delirium tremens белая горяша.

unheeded незамешенный, не принятый во внимание.

A Choose a word from the list below to fill the sentences:

diplomatic possess describe ambiguity diplomatic

1. The expression _______________ is used to denote three different

B Comprehension check: True/False/Not Given.

1. _____ The expression "diplomatic language" is used to denote three

C Please, answer to following questions about the text:

1. What do you know about diplomatic language?

LESSON II. THE LINGUISTIC PECULIARITIES

Diplomatic documents which are called ‚instruments‛ in diplomatic

diplomatic parlance дипломатишеская манера, дипломатишеское

Choose a word from the list below to fill the sentences:

1. Diplomatic documents which are called “instruments” in diplomatic

2. Diplomatic documents are legal documents__________by

3. What are the main requirements of diplomatic correspondence?

5. What is another use of slanting in diplomatic correspondence?

C Please, answer to following questions about the text:

1. What do you know about linguistic peculiarities of diplomatic

LESSON III. DIPLOMATIC DOCUMENTS

A Choose a word from the list below to fill the sentences:

presents renew honor expresses

Canadian Embassy Ambassade du Canada

Note No. 0155/97

The Embassy of Canada __________ its compliments to the Ministry of

MOSCOW (Seal of the Embassy)

March 21, 1997

B Comprehensions check: True/False/Not Given.

C Please answer to following questions:

1. What kind of diplomatic documents do you know?

LESSON IV. DIPLOMATIC COMMUNICATIONS

One major and, in fact, increasingly important aspect of diplomatic

By their content diplomatic documents, whatever their form (notes,

Naturally, this classification is in some respect conditional, since in

A Choose a word from the list below to fill the sentences:

first person position signed signatory

1. Diplomatic documents express the __________ of a state on a particular

B Comprehensions check: True/False/Not Given.

1. _____ An important aspect of diplomatic work is the drafting of

Comprehension: Multiple Choice

1. Diplomatic documents express the __________ of a state on a

2. A large number of diplomatic documents are never _________ owing

3. A personal note takes the form of a letter drawn up in the _________

5. The purpose of ___________ an aide-memoire is to facilitate the

1. How do you understand the word ‚communication‛?

LESSON V. CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN FOREIGN MISSIONS

Regulations, which differ from one country to another, prescribe the

accreditation assurances inform honor

Embassy of the United States of America

Bishkek, April 12, 2016

B Comprehensions check: True/False/Not Given.