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A visit of a markedly ceremonial nature paid by one head of state to another. Though usually of most importance for its symbolic significance and not, unlike the summit, ending with an agreement or communiqué, the state visit may provide a cover for important talks. It is normal for the head of state to be accompanied by at least one government minister (sometimes many more), such a person being known as a ‘minister-in-attendance’. Except in the case of a British head of state visiting one of her Realms, a head of state would also usually have his or her ambassador (sense 1) or high commissioner in attendance.
The visits made abroad by heads of state are not always of a markedly ceremonial nature; furthermore, they are sometimes the guest of a head of government rather than a head of state. As a result, other terms have evolved to describe visits of this kind though there is unfortunately little consistency of usage. The term ‘official visit’ is commonly used to describe visits which have one or both of these characteristics, while a meeting between heads of state devoid of ceremonial is also known sometimes as a ‘working visit’, though it might as well be called a bilateral summit and sometimes is. When a head of state visits another state for purely personal reasons, for example to receive medical attention of a kind not available at home, this is known as a ‘private’ or ‘unofficial’ visit. See also stop-over visit. |
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