THE PLACE AND ROLE OF THE INSTITUTE OF HONORARY CONSULS IN THE SYSTEM OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS OF UKRAINE: ADMINISTRATIVE-LEGAL APPROACH

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the place and role of the institution of honorary consuls in the system of diplomatic relations of Ukraine through the prism of an administrative-legal approach. It is emphasized that modern challenges of international interaction require the expansion of diplomatic communication tools, among which honorary consulates occupy a special niche. They combine official and legal status with a non-professional form of diplomatic activity, contributing to the development of economic, cultural and humanitarian relations, the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of citizens of foreign states. The historical, legal and international legal principles of the functioning of honorary consuls are revealed, in particular on the basis of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963, which defines their status, functions, privileges and immunities. The characteristic features of the activities of honorary consuls, in contrast to career consular officials, are highlighted, and their role as an instrument of "people's diplomacy" is emphasized. The work establishes that in Ukraine the legal regulation of the institution of honorary consuls is carried out by a combination of norms of international treaties and national legislation, in particular the Constitution of Ukraine, the Law "On Diplomatic Service" and by-laws of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is identified as the key body that ensures the organization and control of the activities of honorary consuls, approves candidacies and issues exequaturs. At the same time, a number of administrative and legal problems were identified that complicate the effective functioning of this institution: the lack of a special law, insufficient regulation of the issues of appointment and dismissal, responsibility and accountability of honorary consuls, as well as gaps in control mechanisms and coordination with public authorities. Ways are proposed to improve the administrative and legal support for the activities of honorary consuls in Ukraine, including the development of a special law "On the Institute of Honorary Consuls", harmonization of national legislation with international standards, strengthening institutional supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and establishing interaction with local self-government bodies. It is concluded that proper legal support and development of the institute of honorary consuls can strengthen the international authority of Ukraine, contribute to the intensification of foreign policy and economic relations, the expansion of cultural cooperation and the strengthening of the positive image of the state in the world.