Foreign service is the branch of the government that manages international relations and diplomacy on behalf of a particular country. Some synonyms for foreign service include diplomatic corps, foreign affairs, international relations, embassy, consulate, foreign office, and foreign mission. Each term refers to the same line of work, and all involve representing a country abroad in various roles, from delivering aid and assisting citizens to negotiating treaties and participating in international conferences. Whether one is a diplomat or a consular officer, the goal is the same: to promote their country's interests and protect its citizens while advancing a spirit of cooperation with the rest of the world.