Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Denmark)
Udenrigsministeriet | |
diplomatic missions worldwide | |
Headquarters | Copenhagen |
---|---|
Minister responsible | |
Agency executive |
|
Website | um |
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (
The
History
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs first became its own institution in 1770 as the Foreign Service Department and was renamed The Royal Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1848. Before then, the diplomatic tasks were usually handled by brief individual missions, but the increasing complexity of diplomatic affairs necessitated the creation of a larger organization. The Ministry currently employs thousands of people at home and abroad.
Its official role is to further Danish interests in a way that furthers the freedom, security and well-being of Danish citizens abroad, while working for peace and stability in the world. In practice, the organization helps Danish companies in their export markets and Danish citizens in emergency situations abroad through close cooperation between the headquarters on Asiatisk Plads in Copenhagen and the representations abroad.
Involvement in the UN Oil-For-Food Programme
Accusations have surfaced that several high-profile Danish companies (including pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk) had been bribing various Iraqi government and United Nations officials in connection with the UN Oil-for-Food Programme. According to a UN investigation, more than 2200 companies were involved in the bribery, among these 22 Danish companies, 17 of which are being investigated since 2005 by the State Prosecutor for Serious Economic Crime under the Ministry of Justice.[2]
Some of these companies have since tried to pass on the blame to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alleging that they were encouraged by government officials to participate in the widespread corruption. The allegations have held sway in the media and among the
Danish Trade Council
The Danish Trade Council is a trade organisation within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that promotes Danish exports and investment abroad.[4][5]
See also
- Danish diplomatic missions
- List of ambassadors of Denmark
- UN City
External links
- Official website
- The Ministry answers the Special Prosecutor regarding the Oil-For-Food Programme[permanent dead link]
References
- ^ Ministers Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- , DR Nyheder / Politik 11 July 2007.
- Berlingske Tidende, "Udenrigsministerium åbner for Olie-for-mad program", Berlingske, 18 September 2007.
- ISBN 9780872892583.
- ^ "The Danish Trade Council". Retrieved 2012-03-08.