Office of Protocol (Foreign Consulates)

Protocol is the set of rules prescribing good manners in official life and in ceremonies involving governments and nations and their representatives. It is the recognized system of international courtesy.

Other countries often are more rigid in their practice of official etiquette or protocol than is the United States. It is important for international goodwill, understanding, prestige and acceptance that the United States and its local governments be sensitive to these differences and behave in such a manner as to not offend unnecessarily.

Another more contemporary definition which recognizes the value of protocol in the business world but also applies to diplomatic protocol comes from Robert Frye, former Chief of Protocol for Lucent Technologies and the Coalition Provisional Authority in Baghdad and for U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, John Negroponte:

Protocol is the art of creating a distraction free environment that facilitates the complete and open exchange of information to resolve issues and build relationships in global business and international diplomacy.

This definition applies to government as well. Making mistakes in protocol or breeching etiquette can lead to larger problems that detract from the main purpose of the visit of or event for an international dignitary.

• Organizes and coordinates official welcome ceremonies, meetings, and special events for the Board of Supervisors when Heads of State, government leaders, and other foreign officials (above the Ambassador level) visit Los Angeles County.
• Assists and provides guidance to County departments and other agencies who receive requests to host foreign delegations.
• Liaises with the Los Angeles Consular Corps (the second largest Consular Corps in the U.S. and the third largest in the world), working to build and maintain strong relationships with the 92 countries that make up the Los Angeles Consular Corps.
• Serves as the County’s point of contact for other protocol offices in the region, including the City of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego County, and other areas with active protocol offices.
• Works with the U.S. Office of Foreign Missions, the U.S. Secret Service, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department International Liaison Unit, and other governmental agencies involved in consular and dignitary affairs.
• Collaborates with organizations such as the International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, and LA Inc. (Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau) to promote the Los Angeles County region to foreign dignitaries and delegations.
• Secures support for ongoing protocol-related activities hosted by the Board of Supervisors through key events like the annual Consular Corps Reception.
• Assists County departments, business, educational, and community groups with questions related to protocol, etiquette, customs, flag protocols, and similar matters.
• Provides guidance to organizations interested in establishing Sister County relationships or Friendship Agreements and coordinates related activities.

LOURDES SAAB

Chief of Protocol

e-mail: lsaab@protocol.lacounty.gov

CINDY TORRES

Protocol Officer

e-mail: ctorres@protocol.lacounty.gov

ARPI ZADOORIAN

Protocol Officer

e-mail: azadoorian@protocol.lacounty.gov

EVELYN DUONG

Administrative Assistant

e-mail: eduong@protocol.lacounty.gov

In 1988, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors directed its Chief Administrative Officer to investigate and make recommendations on the feasibility of establishing sister county relationships with jurisdictions in other countries that have common characteristics and interests. The purpose of sister county relationships is to further global understanding through people-to-people, community-to-community contacts on a continuing long-term basis.

Operating under a specific set of guidelines, the County has established sister county relationships with:

• Taipei County (1996);
• City of Huhhot in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (2000); and
• Rome Province (2006)