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International Relations & Diplomacy vocabulary · Diplomacy & Embassies

Envoy

Meaning in international relations & diplomacy, with examples

/ˈenvɔɪ/nounCommon term

In international relations & diplomacy, envoy means: A person sent by a government or international organisation on a special diplomatic mission, often to help with negotiations on a particular issue.

In Turkish: özel temsilci, elçi

How it is used

Most common in 'special envoy' and 'peace envoy'; for example, the UN Secretary-General appoints special envoys for particular crises. Headline writers also use 'envoy' as a short word for 'ambassador'.

Example sentences

  1. The UN special envoy will visit both capitals next week.

  2. The government appointed a special envoy for climate negotiations.

  3. The envoy said that both sides had shown flexibility.

Common collocations

  • special envoy
  • peace envoy
  • appoint an envoy
  • UN envoy
  • presidential envoy
  • 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.
  • mediationAn effort by a neutral third party, such as a state, organisation or individual, to help the sides in a dispute reach an agreement without imposing a solution.
  • diplomatAn official who represents their country abroad or in international organisations, handling relations, negotiations and the protection of their country's interests and citizens.
  • Secretary-GeneralThe head of the United Nations Secretariat and the UN's chief administrative officer; the title is also used for the heads of other organisations, such as NATO.

More terms: Diplomacy & Embassies

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