The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has decided to create a new “ambassador-at-large” position, to allow diplomats who are returning to Taiwan after being posted overseas for years to continue working on important diplomatic projects, a diplomatic source said yesterday.
According to a set of guidelines on a post released on Nov. 15, senior diplomats who are consul-generals and counselors on home assignments are eligible to serve as ambassadors-at-large and handle special diplomatic projects.
The ambassador-at-large has been appointed by the president since 1998. The post has been filled by non-civil servants who specialize in certain fields to promote Taiwan’s diplomacy around the globe.
Photo: Taipei Times
Unlike a diplomat in residence, who is usually limited to a country or embassy, the ambassador-at-large is typically entrusted with operating in several neighboring countries or a region.
An ambassador-at-large might even be specifically assigned to advise and assist the government on issues. Taiwan currently has ambassadors-at-large for religion and cyber affairs.
The new ambassador-at-large position is intended for diplomats rather than non-civil servants, said a diplomatic source familiar with the matter, who did not want to be named.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) is hoping that the diplomats in the new posts would be responsible for specific projects, including opening or reopening overseas offices, Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, trade deal talks and non-governmental organization exchanges, among others, the source said.
The main reason the new posts were established is that most of diplomats have first-hand experience overseas, with rich connections and language skills, but do not have a place to exercise their talents after returning to ministry headquarters in Taipei, because many posts have already been filled, the source quoted Lin as saying.
The new project is expected to give them plenty of opportunities to make use of their diplomatic experience and connections, the source cited as Lin saying.
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