<P> The Commonwealth Secretariat, established in 1965, is the main intergovernmental agency of the Commonwealth, facilitating consultation and co-operation among member governments and countries . It is responsible to member governments collectively . The Commonwealth of Nations is represented in the United Nations General Assembly by the secretariat as an observer . The secretariat organises Commonwealth summits, meetings of ministers, consultative meetings and technical discussions; it assists policy development and provides policy advice, and facilitates multilateral communication among the member governments . It also provides technical assistance to help governments in the social and economic development of their countries and in support of the Commonwealth's fundamental political values . </P> <P> The secretariat is headed by the Commonwealth Secretary - General who is elected by Commonwealth heads of government for no more than two four - year terms . The secretary - general and two deputy secretaries - general direct the divisions of the Secretariat . The present secretary - general is Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland of Asthal, from Dominica, who took office on 1 April 2016, succeeding Kamalesh Sharma of India (2008--2016). The first secretary - general was Arnold Smith of Canada (1965--75), followed by Sir Shridath Ramphal of Guyana (1975--90), Chief Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria (1990--99), and Don McKinnon of New Zealand (2000--2008). </P> <P> In recognition of their shared heritage and culture, Commonwealth countries are not considered to be "foreign" to each other, although the technical extent of this concept varies in different countries . For example, in Australia, for the purpose of considering certain constitutional and legal provisions no distinction is made between Commonwealth and foreign countries: in the High Court case of Sue v Hill, other Commonwealth countries were held to be foreign powers; similarly, in Nolan v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, the nationals of other Commonwealth realms were held to be' aliens' . Nevertheless, the closer association amongst Commonwealth countries is reflected at least in the diplomatic protocols of the Commonwealth countries . For example, when engaging bilaterally with one another, Commonwealth governments exchange high commissioners instead of ambassadors . Between two Commonwealth realms, they represent the head of government rather than the head of state . </P> <P> In addition, some members treat resident citizens of other Commonwealth countries preferentially to citizens of non-Commonwealth countries . Britain and several others, mostly in the Caribbean, grant the right to vote to Commonwealth citizens who reside in those countries . In non-Commonwealth countries in which their own country is not represented, Commonwealth citizens may seek consular assistance at the British embassy . Other alternatives can also occur such as an emergency consular services agreement between Canada and Australia that began in 1986 . </P>

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