The International Co-operation Department of the Ministry is responsible to the Minister for conducting the state management of international activities in the fields of culture and information in accordance with Communist Party guidelines and the policies and laws of the state. Its functions include: drafting and submitting legislative documents relating to international co-operation to the Minister for approval; setting up short-term, long-term and annual plans relating to international exchange activities involving the Ministry; acting on behalf of the Ministry as the co-ordinating body in respect of external relations and international co-operation in the field of culture and information; maintaining contacts overseas and developing good relations with foreign counterparts; conducting exchange programmes at ministerial level with foreign partners both inside and outside of the country; and supervising and giving guidance and support in respect of international co-operation activities conducted by various Ministry agencies.