Main types of diplomatic documents

The most common types of diplomatic documents include notes, memorandums and letters.

Notes, in their turn, are divided into:

- personal;

- verbal;

- accompanying notes.

A personal note is sent on matters of important and fundamental importance or contains information on any major event. The note is drawn up in the first person on behalf of the person signing the note and begins with an appeal.

A note verbale is the most common form of document in diplomatic correspondence. Verbal notes are used to consider and resolve a wide range of issues. They set out political, economic, scientific, technical and other issues of a bilateral and multilateral nature. Verbal notes begin and end with a compliment.

An accompanying note accompanies documents of departments of the state sent through diplomatic channels through diplomatic missions in a foreign state. An accompanying note is drawn up in a third person from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the diplomatic missions.

A memorandum is a document that examines the factual side of a particular issue. It contains an analysis of its individual aspects, sets out arguments in defense of one's position, contains a polemic with the arguments of the other side. The memorandum can be either an attachment to a personal or verbal note, or a stand-alone document.

A private letter of a semi-official nature is sent to familiar officials in cases where any assistance is required in resolving issues that are the subject of official correspondence or negotiations in order to emphasize the author's interest in this case or to expedite the resolution of any issue by using the influence of the addressee. The letter is drawn up on the internal letterhead of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is accompanied by an accompanying note.