There is a lot of confusion between the terms “Embassy” and “High Commission”. Both are diplomatic missions, but they serve different purposes. An embassy is a permanent mission, while a high commission is a temporary mission. This post will explain the difference between the two.
Who is Embassy?
Embassy diplomatic missions are established by a nation’s government to represent the interests of that nation in a foreign country. The main functions of an embassy are to protect the citizens of the sending nation while they are in the host country and to promote the interests of the sending nation. Embassy personnel typically include diplomats, who are responsible for conducting negotiations and developing relationships with the government and people of the host country, and consular staff, who provide assistance to citizens of the sending nation. In some cases, an embassy may also be responsible for promoting trade and investment between the two countries. Embassy diplomatic missions play an important role in representing their nations’ interests abroad and promoting international cooperation.
Who is High Commission?
The High Commission is the main diplomatic mission of one Commonwealth country to another. It is headed by the High Commissioner, who is appointed by the sending country. The High Commission staff work on a wide range of issues, including trade, culture, education, and consular assistance. They also provide information about their country to the media and local organizations. In some cases, the High Commission may be responsible for promoting investment in their country or providing humanitarian assistance.
Difference between Embassy and High Commission
An Embassy is a diplomatic mission that is typically located in the capital city of a foreign country. The primary purpose of an Embassy is to represent the interests of its home country, and it is typically headed by an Ambassador who is accredited to the host government. A High Commission is similar to an Embassy, but it is typically located in a Commonwealth country. In addition, a High Commission is headed by a High Commissioner, who is also accredited to the host government. Both Embassies and High Commissions play an important role in promoting bilateral relations between their home countries and the host countries.
Conclusion
Although embassies and high commissions share some similarities, they differ in their purpose and structure. Embassies are tasked with representing the home country’s interests in the host country, while high commissions are responsible for developing relations between two countries. Additionally, embassies are typically part of a larger network of diplomatic missions, while high commissions usually stand alone.
