An extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador, in the field of bilateral relations, is the representative of a State, who as such is accredited to another. This can only take place between countries that have previously recognized each other, and have agreed to establish diplomatic relations.
An emeritus ambassador is a person who, after having retired from the position he holds, enjoys benefits derived from a profession, especially university or ecclesiastical teaching, in recognition of his good services in that profession.
When dictionaries explain the concept of emeritus, they usually refer to only two meanings. First, it was applied among the Romans to a soldier who had performed his service well, and the other to someone who has retired from a job and enjoys a pension or some award for his good services. It is an honour, a dignity, I understand that this is the meaning of the word in Spanish, where an emeritus professor or researcher is not precisely a retiree but quite the opposite: an active academic who has been awarded the title by the institution for his merits and services to the nation.
The dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) says the following about emeritus: “Said of a person, especially a professor, who has retired and maintains his honors and some functions.”
In the Dominican Republic, the concept of ambassador emeritus is noted in article 77 of Law 360-16 dated July 28, 1916, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service, which states that within the rank of ambassadors there will be a maximum of five positions, who will be designated for their outstanding performance of services to the Republic in the field of foreign policy, from a list of candidates, proposed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the consideration of the president to be designated.
As long as they meet the following requirements: Being a retired ambassador or in active service in the ministry with a tenure of at least 25 years; having held important positions; having written works on international issues and having provided outstanding services in the field of the country’s international relations. And while they are retired, they will have the function of answering the questions put to them by the ministry. And an additional bonus may be set to the salary they receive for their retirement.
Finally, the conditions that are necessary for the title of emeritus to be imposed are high knowledge, achievements and representative acts that he/she performed in favor of the institution. That is why someone with an emeritus investiture is requested to give lectures, give advice and be part of a support group in search of solutions and approaches in favor of the stability of the institution that has declared him/her.
The author is a journalist and diplomat.
