Consuls have long been the bridge between local communities and the world. They can help identify places for future investment of their countries. They strengthen their national ties in business, education and culture.

The U.S. communities in which they serve must do their part to act as good citizen diplomats. This includes understanding the functions of a consul. While career and honorary consuls are different in their training and backgrounds, consular functions are the same for all. Although limitations are set for practical reasons, both kinds of consuls remain the logical bridges to globalism throughout our communities.