THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
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MFA system as a whole, the domestic public dimension is no less than to keep citizens informed of international developments that affect the citizens. This is linked with the process of ‘democratization of foreign affairs in the national context. Further, the directives of a ‘public service charter’—assuming that one exists—apply equally to all official agencies, even if MFAs often tend to forget this! h) The foreign diplomatic missions at headquarters, concerned with one’s charge are another responsibility. Again, an approach based on understanding and helpfulness goes a long way in performing this task well, and in producing contacts and relationships that also help in the optimal performance of the other duties mentioned above. Such contacts should be based on effective projection of the standpoint of one’s own country, and building credibility as an ‘interlocuteur valable’. i) Last but by no means the least are what may be regarded as the normal responsibilities that go with any foreign ministry assignment, the drafting of letters, messages, speeches, answers to parliament questions, and other notes and documents that form the staple of the diplomatic profession. A ‘non-routine’ approach in handling this work, plus mastery over the skills of draftsmanship, is essential. The above list is not definitive, and there are always other tasks that go with particular desk officer assignments. In all the jobs that the desk officer performs at headquarters, an attitude of performing more than a set ‘routine’ provides a good mental framework. S E N I O R D I R E C T I O N O F B I L AT E R A L W O R K
Much of the above applies, mutatis mutandis to the mid-level and senior officials at the MFA who handle bilateral work, typically as deputy directors or directors of territorial divisions (of course,
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