Terranovan Department of State

The **Terranovan Department of State** (**DOS**), or simply the **State Department**, is an executive department of the Terranovan federal government responsible for the Terranova's foreign policy and relations. Equivalent to the ministry of foreign affairs of other nations, its primary duties are advising the President of Terranova on international relations, administering diplomatic missions, negotiating international treaties and agreements, and representing the Terranovan at the International Regulatory Association. The department is headquartered in the Annalise J. Potter Building, right behind the Presidential Palace, in the Government Square neighborhood of Fortcester, D.T.; "Government Square" is thus sometimes referred to as the diplomatic hub of Terranova, with the Minister of Regulatory Coordination in the Jaycee L. Hanson Building, also located in the Government Square neighborhood.

Established in 1900 along with the rest of the Terranovan executive branch, the State Department is considered among the most powerful and prestigious executive agencies. It is headed by the Terranovan Secretary of State, who reports directly to the President of Terranova and is a member of the Terranovan Federal Executive Cabinet. Similar to a foreign minister, the secretary of state serves as the federal government's chief diplomat and representative abroad and is the 11th official in the Terranovan Ceremonial Order and the 4th in the presidential line of succession. The position is currently held by Jack M. Salinas, who was appointed by President Raymond Blackwood and confirmed by the Terranovan Senate on July 31, 2018, by a vote of 24–9.

As of 2029, the State Department maintains 27 diplomatic posts worldwide, including embassies, consulates, and delegations. These diplomatic posts are responsible for promoting and protecting Terranova's interests abroad, fostering international relations, and providing consular services to Terranovan citizens traveling or residing overseas. The State Department also plays a crucial role in formulating and implementing foreign policy, negotiating treaties and agreements, and representing Terranova in international organizations such as the International Regulatory Association.

It also manages the Terranovan Diplomatic Service with the Department of International Regulatory Coordination, provides diplomatic training to Terranovan officials and military personnel, exercises partial jurisdiction over immigration, and provides various services to Terranovans, such as issuing passports and visas, posting foreign travel advisories, and advancing commercial ties abroad. The department administers one of the oldest Terranovan civilian intelligence agencies, the Bureau of Diplomatic Affairs and Intelligence (BFAI), maintains a law enforcement arm, the Diplomatic Defense Division (DDD), and helps coordinate international efforts to combat terrorism and transnational crime.

The Secretary of State is the chief executive officer of the Department of State and a member of the Terranovan Federal Executive Cabinet who answers directly to, and advises the President of Terranova and/or Triad of Terranova (if applicable). The Secretary of State is responsible for representing Terranova's interests in foreign affairs, negotiating treaties and agreements, and overseeing the diplomatic corps. The secretary organizes and supervises the entire department and its staff.

The department's core activities and purposes include:

* Providing protection and assistance to Terranovan nationals who live or travel abroad.
* Providing assistance to Terranovan firms in worldwide markets.
* Coordination and assistance for other Terranovan agencies' foreign actions (local, state, or federal government), official trips abroad and at home, and other diplomatic endeavors.
* Maintaining public awareness of Terranovan foreign policy and ties with other nations, as well as offering public feedback to administrative officials.
* Vehicle registration for non-diplomatic staff cars and automobiles of diplomats from other nations with diplomatic protection in Terranova.