The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia is the cabinet-level government department responsible for formulating and conducting the nation's foreign policy. It directs diplomatic and consular missions worldwide, protects the interests of the state and Serbian citizens abroad, and coordinates international relations. Originally established in 1811 during the First Serbian Uprising, the ministry served as part of the unified Yugoslav diplomatic service for much of the twentieth century before resuming its role for the modern Republic of Serbia.