Along with their political roles, foreign ministers are also traditionally responsible for many diplomatic duties, such as hosting foreign world leaders and going on
state visits to other countries. The foreign minister is generally the most well-traveled member of any cabinet. • In the United Kingdom, the minister responsible for foreign policy (as well as the
British Overseas Territories) is the
Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development affairs (Foreign Secretary). Before 1968, the
secretary of state for foreign affairs only handled relations with foreign (non-
Commonwealth) countries, while relations with Commonwealth countries and colonies were handled by the
secretary of state for Commonwealth affairs. For the same reason, in Commonwealth countries other than the United Kingdom, the ministers responsible for handling relations with both Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth countries were formerly usually designated ministers for external affairs. • In the United States, the
secretary of state handles foreign policy and is the senior
Cabinet officer. The name of the post comes from several domestic duties. Under the
Articles of Confederation, the title was "Secretary of Foreign Affairs". Although it is very rare for there to be any sub-national foreign minister post, sometimes there is a minor external relations position. The
European Union has dealt with external relations in certain areas since its inception (see
EU Trade Commissioner) and has a
high representative as its chief diplomat. However, his or her duties are primarily to implement
EU foreign policy, rather than formulate it. ==Lists of current ministries of foreign affairs==