Changes in Protocol Regarding President's Travels

The Cabinet Division has issued new instructions regarding the state protocol to be followed during the President's departures for and arrivals from foreign countries.

The new guidelines have trimmed the list of officials required to be present at the airport during these events.

On May 4, the Cabinet Division sent a letter regarding this matter to the relevant departments.

The letter states that the government has decided that seven high-ranking officials will be present at the airport during the President's departure and return. They are: a member of the Cabinet, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Head of Mission of the host country, the Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office, the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of the Public Division of the President's Office, the Military Secretary to the President, and the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Previously, the last set of instructions regarding the protocol for the President's foreign travels was issued on May 16, 2017. According to the rules at that time, a total of 13 officials were required to be present at the airport. This number has been reduced by nearly half to seven under the new instructions.