Simplify the following text for a Grade 11 native English-speaking person.
Original: The United States Department of State ( often referred to as the State Department ) , is the United States federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States , equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries .
Simplified: The United States Department of State , often referred to as the State Department , is the Cabinet-level foreign affairs agency of the United States government , similar to foreign ministries , foreign offices , ministries of external relations , etc. in other countries .