affairs of state; state affairs
Refers to the official business and responsibilities of a national government. Often used in formal or political contexts.
国務長官は外交政策を担当する。
The Secretary of State is in charge of foreign policy.
The prime minister works from early morning to conduct state affairs.
首相は国務に追われている。
The prime minister is busy with affairs of state.
He has been engaged in state affairs for many years.
政務 covers general political or administrative duties (often of a minister or official), whereas 国務 is specifically the affairs of the national government as a whole.
minister of state; cabinet minister
Compound of 国 (country, state) and 務 (duty, affairs). The reading is on'yomi.