Introduction
Many people are confused between the titles of High Commissioner and Ambassador. This article aims to explain the difference between these two roles for the highest-ranking official of one country in another country.
Ambassador vs High Commissioner
Commonwealth countries have a tradition of appointing a high commissioner to other commonwealth countries. For example, India has a High Commission in Britain, and the highest-ranking official there is India’s High Commissioner to Britain. However, when it comes to a country that is not a commonwealth country, such as the US, India’s highest-ranking official is an Ambassador, not a High Commissioner. So in the US, there is an Indian Embassy where the Ambassador lives and works.
In summary, a High Commissioner is the highest-ranking official representing a commonwealth country in another commonwealth country. An Ambassador fulfills the same role in a non-commonwealth country. Their roles and functions are the same – to strengthen relations between the two countries and convey important matters between the foreign country and the home country.
In an embassy, where an Ambassador resides and works, diplomatic missions and issuing visas are conducted regularly. Other staff in an embassy include consular officers, economic officers, and political officers. In a High Commission, the nomenclature of officials is slightly different, with the inclusion of Governor General and Governor.
In conclusion, the rank of an Ambassador is equivalent to that of a High Commissioner. The distinction lies in the countries they represent, with High Commissioners being appointed to commonwealth countries and Ambassadors being appointed to non-commonwealth countries.
Key Takeaways
1. Commonwealth countries have a tradition of appointing a high commissioner to other commonwealth countries, while countries that are not part of the commonwealth appoint ambassadors.
2. The highest ranking official of a commonwealth country in another commonwealth country is known as a High Commissioner, while the same role in a non-commonwealth country is performed by an Ambassador.
3. The roles and functions of an Ambassador and a High Commissioner are the same, both working to strengthen the relations between the two countries and serving as a communication link between the foreign country and the home country.
