ambassadør

An ambassadør is the highest-ranking representative of one country to another, and the head of a country’s diplomatic mission, typically stationed at an embassy. The role includes representing the sending state’s interests, conducting diplomacy, negotiating with the host government, protecting its citizens and interests, and reporting on political and economic developments. Ambassadors speak for their government on foreign policy, bilateral relations, and international cooperation, and participate in official functions and negotiations within the scope of their mandate.

Ambassadors are appointed by the head of state or government, on the advice of the foreign ministry, and require the host country’s consent (agrément) before presenting credentials. This credentialing formally establishes their status. They usually hold the rank of ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary, granting full authority to represent the sending state.

Most ambassadors present credentials to the host country’s head of state to officially begin their mission. Their duties include promoting friendly relations, assisting nationals abroad, facilitating trade and cultural exchange, and reporting back to their government. They enjoy diplomatic immunity and privileges under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) to safeguard official duties.

Ambassadors can be career diplomats or political appointees; in some cases a mission may be headed by a chargé d’affaires if there is no ambassador. The term appears in several languages, such as Danish ambassadør, Norwegian ambassadør, and Swedish ambassadör, reflecting similar roles across national contexts.