ASSIGNMENT OF INTERPRETERS TO OFFICIAL VISITS AND HIGH-LEVEL MEETINGS
(CT:GS-257; 04-04-20225)
(Office of Origin: A/PRI/LS)
6 FAM 1531 OFFICIAL INTERPRETING ARRANGEMENTS
(CT:GS-257; 04-04-2025)
(State Only)
a. The Office of Language Services (A/PRI/LS) makes arrangements for any Department personnel, or employees of other U.S. Government agencies, to serve as official interpreters for visits or high-level meetings. The Office consults with other pertinent organizations in the Department involved in the event such as the Executive Secretariat (S/ES), the Office of the Chief of Protocol (S/CPR), or regional bureaus.
b. The Office of Language Services may assign interpreters from its own staff or roster of private contractors or arrange for the detail of qualified Department personnel. A/PRI/LS ascertains that assigned interpreters possess the necessary qualifications and interpreting aptitude.
6 FAM 1532 NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERPRETING DIVISION (A/PRI/LS/I)
(CT:GS-257; 04-04-2025)
(State Only)
Department officers who are responsible for arrangements for meetings of the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designated representatives, with ranking foreign officials shall inform the Chief of the Interpreting Division (A/PRI/LS/I) of anticipated interpreting needs as soon as possible. These officers must provide timely notification to the Division to ensure that adequate language support is available.
6 FAM 1533 INTERPRETER ASSIGNMENTS BY POSTS ABROAD
(CT:GS-257; 04-04-2025)
(State Only)
All U.S. missions, embassies and consulates must seek clearance with the Interpreting Division, Office of Language Services (A/PRI/LS/I), before making any interpreter assignments for high-ranking U.S. visitors, formal negotiations, or major official events. Notwithstanding the exceptional provisions of 11 FAM 724.6 c, certifications of non-English versions of treaties and other international agreements are normally done at A/PRI/LS, not at U.S. missions, embassies and consulates. See 11 FAM 724.6 on Certification of Non-English Language Texts.
6 FAM 1534 THROUGH 1539 UNASSIGNED