foreign affairs

plural noun

1. activities of a nation in its relationships with other nations; international relations.

foreign affairs

plural noun

1. matters abroad that involve the homeland, such as relations with another country

2. matters that do not involve the homeland

Word History and Origins

Origin of foreign affairs¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Johann Wadephul, Germany’s foreign affairs minister, told reporters Wednesday that his country hadn’t been briefed on the specifics of the proposal.

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"Those communities will bring a unique and an important perspective to the exploration of our shared island of the past, present and future, shaped by their own immigrant experiences," said Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris.

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"I was promised by the foreign secretary that it would be published," says Dame Emily Thornberry MP, the chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee.

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"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese embassy and consulates in Japan solemnly remind Chinese citizens to avoid travelling to Japan in the near future."

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In a sharp escalation of the diplomatic spat, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday urged its citizens to avoid travel to Japan and asked those residing in the country to be extra vigilant, saying Takaichi’s comments threaten their safety.

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