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International Relations & Diplomacy vocabulary · Diplomacy & Embassies

Diplomatic relations

Meaning in international relations & diplomacy, with examples

nounCore term

In international relations & diplomacy, diplomatic relations means: The official connection between two states that allows them to exchange ambassadors, open embassies and deal with each other through normal diplomatic channels.

In Turkish: diplomatik ilişkiler

How it is used

States establish, restore, upgrade, downgrade, suspend or break off diplomatic relations. The rules are set out in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961). Relations can also continue at a lower level, for example through a chargé d'affaires.

Example sentences

  1. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.

  2. Diplomatic relations were restored after a five-year break.

  3. The government decided to downgrade diplomatic relations to the level of chargé d'affaires.

Common collocations

  • establish diplomatic relations
  • break off diplomatic relations
  • restore diplomatic relations
  • full diplomatic relations
  • diplomatic ties
  • embassyThe main official mission of one country in another country's capital, led by an ambassador; also the building where this mission works.
  • recognitionThe formal acceptance by one state that another entity is a state, or that a government is the legitimate government of a state.
  • chargé d'affairesA diplomat who heads an embassy when there is no ambassador, either temporarily while the ambassador is away or permanently when relations are kept at a lower level.
  • bilateralInvolving two countries or two parties, as in bilateral relations, a bilateral agreement or a bilateral meeting between two leaders.
  • ambassadorThe highest-ranking diplomat who represents their country in another country or at an international organisation, usually as head of an embassy or permanent mission.

More terms: Diplomacy & Embassies

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