State visit
A state visit is a formal visit by a head of state (or representative of a head of state) to a foreign country, at the invitation of the head of state (or representative) of that foreign country, with the latter also acting as the official host for the duration of the state visit. Speaking for the host, it is generally called a state reception. State visits are considered to be the highest expression of friendly bilateral relations between two sovereign states, and are in general characterised by an emphasis on official public ceremonies.
Less formal visits than a state visit to another country with a lesser emphasis on ceremonial events, by either a head of state (their representative) or a head of government, can be classified (in descending order of magnitude) as either an official visit, an official working visit, a working visit, a guest-of-government visit, or a private visit.[1][2]
In
Components of a state visit
State visits typically involve some or all the following components (each host country has its own traditions):
- The visiting accredited to the host country.
- A 21-gun salute is fired in honor of the visiting head of state.
- The playing of the two national anthems by a military band. The guest country's anthem is usually played first.
- A review of a military guard of honour.
- The visiting head of state (or representative) is formally introduced to senior officials/representatives of the host country and the hosting head of state is introduced to the delegation accompanying the visiting head of state.
- An exchange of gifts between the two heads of state (or representatives).
- A , is mounted by the hosting head of state (or representative), with the visiting head of state being the guest of honour.
- A visit to the legislature of the host country, often with the visiting head of state (or representative) being invited to deliver a formal address to the assembled members of the legislature.
- High-profile visits by the visiting heads of state (or representative) to host country landmarks such as laying a wreath at a military shrine or cemetery.
- The staging of cultural events celebrating links between the two nations.
The visiting head of state (or their representative) is usually accompanied by a senior government minister, usually by a
While the costs of a state visit are usually borne by state funds of the host country, most nations host fewer than ten state visits per year, with some as few as two. Most foreign heads of state (or their representative) will stay in the official residence of the head of state (or representative) who is hosting the state visit, in a guest house reserved for foreign visitors, or in their own nation's embassy located in the foreign nation being visited.
State visits by well-known global leaders or figures, such as the British Monarch, the president of the United States or the pope, often draw much publicity and large crowds. Occasionally, these include protesters.
State visits by country
Armenia
State visits to
Rank of visitor | State dinner | Arrival ceremonies | Exchange of diplomatic gifts |
Meeting with religious leaders |
Address to the National Assembly | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prime Minister's Residence | President's Residence | Airport | ||||||
State visit | head of state | Yes | No | Yes | Maybe | Yes | Yes | Maybe |
Official visit | head of government | Yes | Yes | No | Maybe | Maybe | Maybe | Maybe |
Since 1991, foreign leaders who embark on visits to Armenia have paid tribute to the victims of the Armenian genocide at the Tsitsernakaberd complex.[4] During a visit to the complex, most leaders receive a tour of the museum, plant trees near the memorial, and lay wreaths at the eternal flame.
Belgium
A state visit in Belgium starts with an inspection of the troops in front of the
It is customary to be awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Leopold during state visits.
Canada
The Office of Protocol coordinates the operational aspects of state and official visits to Canada and manages all events that are related to the visit. It also defines the protocol standards for state visits of heads of state and government.[5]
The
Tours of Canada by the country's monarch (and other members of the royal family) are not state or official visits, as the monarch conducts
People's Republic of China
State arrival ceremonies in China take place at the East Court of the Great Hall of the People on Tiananmen Square in Beijing. The guard of honour for the ceremony is provided by the Beijing Garrison Honor Guard, with musical accompaniment provided by the Central Military Band of the People's Liberation Army of China.
As the military band plays the national anthems of the two countries, an artillery battery fires a 21-gun salute. After the band finishes its performance, the two leaders then inspect the guard of honour at the invitation of the guard commander. Following the inspection, both leaders embrace schoolchildren who wave flowers and the flags of both countries. At this time, the band performs a military march or folk song from the guest country. If a prime minister or chancellor or crown prince visits China, the welcoming ceremony is held by the premier. If a president, governor-general or king visits, the welcoming ceremony is held by the president.
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Honor Guard then marches off the square to the tune of the March of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The ceremony ends with the marching band of the PLA performing an exhibition of military drill.[citation needed]
During state visits, national awards are presented to visiting dignitaries, including the
Republic of China (Taiwan)
A 30-minute ceremony at the Plaza of the
Czech Republic
The military welcome accorded to foreign leaders at
Finland
The Protocol Services of the
In Finland, state visits usually follow a certain pattern that has already become a tradition. The official reception ceremonies take place in front of the Presidential Palace or alternatively at Helsinki Airport. At the reception ceremony, the head of the visiting country, together with the President of Finland, inspects the guard of honor to the rhythm of the Björneborgarnas marsch. After the inspection of the honor guard and the performance of the national anthems, the heads of state greet the public from the balcony of the Presidential Palace, from where they move to the yellow salon to drink welcome toasts, take official photos and exchange gifts and badges of honor.[10]
Usually, the official program includes at least the laying a wreath on Marshal Mannerheim's grave at the Hietaniemi Cemetery,[11] and a visit to the Parliament House or the Helsinki City Hall.[10] The visit usually ends with state dinners held at the Presidential Palace, where the heads of state give their speeches.[10]
France
State arrival ceremonies are held at either the
Georgia
State visits in Georgia are held outside the
During state visits, dignitaries usually meet with the prime minister, chairperson of the Parliament, and the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia separately from the president. State dinners are also held inside the presidential palace with officials from both countries present.
Germany
During state visits to Germany, honours are provided by the German
During state visits, foreign dignitaries typically visit German federal states outside the capital. It this regard, a full honors ceremony is also held with the minister-president being the presiding officer.[12][13] In break with the traditional Berlin military protocol, chairs have since July 2019 been set up outside the Chancellery due to Chancellor Angela Merkel's unusual episodes of shaking and uneasiness during the honours ceremony. Currently, only Moldovan Premier Maia Sandu and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen have had to be received under this arrangement.[14]
India
Foreign leaders are received at the
State banquets are also held for foreign dignitaries at the
Israel
The
During some state visits, the itinerary has included a visit to the Yad Vashem memorial. There the leader, accompanied by the prime minister, will rekindle the Eternal Flame, and will also lay a wreath in memorial of the 6 million Jews murdered in the holocaust.
Italy
When dignitaries arrive in the Italian capital of
The rest of the day includes bilateral meetings, one on one conversations, a joint press conference, and a state dinner, where the exchange of gifts and the awarding of honors takes place. The next day sees the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the
Japan
Japan extends invitations for state visitors and official visitors aims to promote the friendship and relation between Japan and the country of the invitee.[18] In addition to state and official visits, the Japanese government also extends several other forms of invitations to visit the country.
The invitation of official practical visitors, practical visitors, and visitors to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs aim to promote negotiations, to strengthen security and to be used for policy coordination, etc.
The invitation of ministers is an invitation extended to ministers from other countries, and aims to have them deepen their understanding of Japan and send information about Japan based on the knowledge obtained through invitations through conference, inspection, etc. with Japanese VIPs and experts.
The invitation of strategic practitioners is an invitation extended to certain members in certain positions or those who are expected to hold a certain leadership position in the future, in political, economic, governmental, academic, etc., in foreign countries or international organizations. It aims to promote understanding of Japan's various policies and fields such as culture and society, to facilitate the promotion of Japan's foreign policy through personal connections with Japanese experts, and to promote pro-Japan in the medium- and long-term through briefings with private experts, Japanese cultural experiences, and local visits.
Visitor | Stay | Reception [19] | Talk with Emperor | Luncheon | Banquet | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
State Visitor | Monarch, president, etc.[20] | Akasaka Palace[21] | Yes | Yes [22] | Luncheon with the prime minister | Banquet at the palace |
Official Visitor | Prince, prime minister, etc.[23] | Akasaka Palace[21] | Yes | Yes [24] | Luncheon at the palace | Banquet with the prime minister |
Official Practical Visitor | A person equivalent to a state visitor or an official visitor [25] | A strictly secured public accommodation | No | Yes [24] | No | No |
Practical Visitor | A person equivalent to a state visitor or an official visitor [26] | A public accommodation | No | Yes/No [27] | No | No |
Visitor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs | The secretary-general of the United Nations, etc.[28] |
A public accommodation | No | No | No | No |
During the state visits by people belonging to the upper two categories, guards of honour are mounted by the Imperial Guard of the National Police Agency and the 302nd Military Police Company of the Japan Self-Defense Forces.
Kyrgyzstan
State visits are planned in accordance with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs one month in advance. Arrival ceremonies for state visits to Kyrgyzstan typically take place at Manas International Airport with the participation of the Honour Guard Battalion of the 701st Military Unit of the National Guard and the Band of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Kyrgyzstan.[29] A wreath-laying ceremony is also held at Victory Square. A bilateral meeting, press conference, and state dinner are all held at the Ala Archa State Residence.
The Kyrgyz official welcoming group includes the chairman of the Supreme Council, the prime minister, and the minister of foreign affairs. The official morning breakfast reception takes place from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Arrival ceremonies are also held at the state residences all over the country.[30]
Mexico
State visits to Mexico City are held on a regular basis.[31] Arrival ceremonies are usually held at the National Palace, the president's workplace or at Mexico City International Airport. On certain occasions, a full honors ceremony with the participation of the National Guard's Presidential Guards Corps are held at Campo Marte, where the corps' two military police brigades are stationed.
The arrival ceremony begins with a platoon of National Guards presenting arms at the arrival of the state guest at the entrance of the National Palace. After the state guest arrives with the president of Mexico (and his first lady if present) in the palace' south courtyard the NG's Presidential Guards honor guard company presents arms while the Representative Music Band of the Mexican Armed Forces plays the anthems of the two countries (the Himno Nacional Mexicano is always played first). Then the president of Mexico introduces members of his or her cabinet before the visiting dignitary introduces members of their delegation accompanying them on this visit. After this is done, the commander of the National Guard's honour guard company then delivers the following report to the dignitary:
- “With your permission Mr/Madam President of the United Mexican States, I am the commander of the honour guard of the (states dignitary's position) and I invite you to review the guard of honour present, sir/ma'am."
- “With your permission Mr/Madam President of the
The president and the dignitary then inspect the guard, paying homage to the
Moldova
The State Diplomatic Protocol (SDP) of the
Netherlands
State visits in the Netherlands revolve around and are centered on the capital of Amsterdam. A characteristic of a state visit is that it is usually carried out by a foreign head of state, rather than a head of government. Upon arrival to the country, the dignitary will be given a tour through the capital, which includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Monument. Foreign dignitaries are usually received by the monarch at the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, where they receive a guard of honour formed by the Grenadiers' and Rifles Guard Regiment upon arrival. It is here where all matters of state and bilateral meetings take place over the course of the visit.
During a state visit, the
North Korea
Although state visits to
Notable state visits held in the 21st century were those by
Norway
State visits to the Norwegian capital of
As it refers to state visits by the
Poland
State visits take place on a regular basis in
The White Hall in the Presidential Palace is used to host foreign heads of state. The hall is located at the main entrance from the courtyard, where the welcoming ceremony takes place.[42]
Russia
The Department of State Protocol of the
A foreign head of state or government receives arrival honours from the 154th Preobrazhensky Independent Commandant's Regiment and the Special Exemplary Military Band upon their arrival at the VIP terminal at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow, where they are usually greeted by the Russian deputy foreign minister. Heads of state also take part in a welcoming ceremony with the president of Russia in the Hall of the Order of St. George of the Grand Kremlin Palace.
The following is Estonian diplomat Tiit Matsulevitš's opinion on Russian protocol for state visits:
"Russian diplomacy has a centuries-old tradition, I consider the Russian protocol to be one of the best in the world. The protocol service of Russia is very correct."
Estonian Ambassador to Russiafrom 1999–2001
Spain
State visits to the
The other notable state ceremony that takes place in the palace is the state dinner, which is hosted by the king, and is attended by the visiting dignitary, his or her delegation, the
Ukraine
State visits to
United Arab Emirates
The
United Kingdom
A state visit to the United Kingdom is a royal event which involves the King and other members of the royal family. An arrival ceremony usually takes place on Horse Guards Parade (there are also some instances where it takes place at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle) with a guard of honour being provided by members of the King's Guard. The guard of honour will always report to the dignitary in the language of the visitor, with the report being along the lines of the following:
- "Your Excellency, the guard of honour, provided by the (states name of unit), is formed up, and ready for inspection."
Depending on the area where the ceremony takes place, a march past will immediately take place following the inspection. The foreign guest and the King then travel to Buckingham Palace in a carriage procession escorted by a large number of mounted soldiers from the Household Cavalry. The welcome ceremony is accompanied by 21-gun salutes fired from Green Park and the Tower of London. Around 150 guests are invited to Buckingham Palace for the state banquet in the evening in the ballroom.[51][52]
State visits do not formally occur between the United Kingdom and the 14 other
United States
State visits to
Events can range from a flight line ceremony at
See also
- Air transports of heads of state and government
- Foreign relations
- Motorcade
- Reciprocity (international relations)
- State banquet
- Summit (meeting)
References
- ^ "State and Guest of Government visits - April to October 2016 - Publications - GOV.UK".
- Radio Free Europe. Retrieved 3 June 2019.
- ^ Campbell, Sophie (11 May 2012). "Queen's Diamond Jubilee: sixty years of royal tours". The Telegraph. No. Online edition. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
- ISBN 9780374531409.
- ^ Global Affairs Canada (21 August 2018). "Office of Protocol of Canada". Government of Canada. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
- ^ Office of the Governor General of Canada (2019). "Governors General representing Canada at home and abroad". Queen's Printer for Canada. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
- ^ "China's State Protection Unit: Guards on motorcycles". YouTube. Archived from the original on 11 December 2021.
- ^ "Military honors for foreign guests of state". english.president.gov.tw. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
- ^ "Korkean tason vierailut ja valtiolliset tilaisuudet" (in Finnish). Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
- ^ a b c Läppinen, Ronni (11 May 2022). "Valtiovierailu on näytelmä, jonka kulisseissa tehdään historiaa" (in Finnish). The Ulkopolitist. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
- ^ Astikainen, Arto (30 August 2001). "Presidentti Putin laskee seppeleen marsalkka Mannerheimille" [President Putin lays a wreath on Marshal Mannerheim's grave]. Helsingin Sanomat (in Finnish). Retrieved 3 August 2023.
- ^ "Staatsbesuche (Nach 1945) – Historisches Lexikon Bayerns".
- ^ "www.bundespraesident.de: Der Bundespräsident / Staatsbesuche".
- ^ "Merkel Urges Moldova to Speed up Reform Pace". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 16 July 2019.
- ^ Peri, Dinakar (26 January 2015). "Pooja Thakur makes history - NATIONAL". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "Ceremonials | Department of Defence".
- ^ "Ufficio Cerimoniale - Difesa.it".
- ^ "The Invitation Program of Japan". the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
- ^ Examples: guard of honor, the performance of national anthem
- ^ The head of state
- ^ a b Another accommodation may be chosen.
- ^ Both the Emperor and the Empress attend.
- ^ The head of government, or a relative of a head of state
- ^ a b The Empress attends when the visitor attends with a spouse.
- ^ The visitor acts practically and officially.
- ^ The visitor acts practically and unofficially.
- ^ It depends on the visitors.
- ^ A minister or a head of major international organization
- ^ "Закон КР от 7 августа 1998 года № 118 "Об Уставе гарнизонной и караульной служб Вооруженных Сил Кыргызской Республики"".
- ^ "Кыргыз Республикасынын Мамлекеттик протоколу жөнүндө". ud.gov.kg. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "Diana Rubio – Doctora y consultora en comunicación".
- ^ "| Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova".
- ISBN 9789811076237.
- ^ "North Korea's protocols for visiting dignitaries [PHOTOS]". 6 November 2018.
- ^ "(Moon-Kim summit) Paekhwawon guest house, an historic backdrop".
- ^ "Confirmed: North Korea rapidly built Xi's new guesthouse from February to May | NK News". 21 June 2019.
- ^ "Moon to stay in Paekhwawon guest house known for hosting VIPs".
- ^ "North and South Korean leaders hug ahead of summit". newsweek.com. 18 September 2018.
- ^ "North Korea holds mass celebration in Xi's honor amid talks on US tensions". 21 June 2019.
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "North Korea lecture at Kim Il Sung University by President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj". YouTube.
- ^ "State visits".
- ^ "President of the Republic of Poland / Presidential Residences / Presidential Palace". 13 August 2009.
- ^ "Соглашение о создании Содружества Независимых Государства". Исполнительный комитет СНГ. Archived from the original on 21 July 2006. Retrieved 14 January 2008.
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- ^ Poroshenko, Petro. "President: The words "Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!" will be the official greetings of the Armed Forces of our state". PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE Official website. Government of Ukraine. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
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- ^ ""Знак внимания": какие машины сопровождали Путина в ОАЭ".
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- ^ "State Visits | The Royal Family". royal.uk. 25 February 2016. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "Changing the Guard | Ceremonial Events / State Visits". changing-guard.com. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
External links
Media related to State visits at Wikimedia Commons
- Visits by Foreign Leaders – Organized by the Office of the Historian of the United States Department of State; lists visits by year and by country, including names of the visiting leader and a brief description of the visit
- REFEED: Putin begins state visit to UAE
- FULL VIDEO: Queen Elizabeth II hosts welcoming ceremony for Chinese President Xi Jinping