Article 63 of the Saudi Basic Law of Governance
المادة 63 من النظام الأساسي للحكم · الباب السادس: سلطات الدولة
The Article provides that the King receives kings and presidents of states, appoints his representatives to states, and accepts the accreditation of states' representatives to him.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يستقبل الملك ، ملوك الدول ورؤساءها، ويعين ممثليه لدى الدول، ويقبل اعتماد ممثلي الدول لديه.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 63 explained in plain English
This Article deals with an aspect of the King's powers in foreign relations and sets out three powers:
- Receiving kings and presidents of states.
- Appointing his representatives to states; that is, the appointment of those who represent the Kingdom to other states is made by the King.
- Accepting the accreditation of states' representatives to him; that is, the representatives of other states are accredited to the King.
The Article is a text on competence that shows who carries out these tasks. It does not state the procedures or conditions for appointment or accreditation, or the titles and ranks of representatives; these details are not in the text.
The Article comes within a group of Articles relating to the King's powers, including Article 62, which gives the King the power to take urgent measures if a danger arises that threatens the safety of the Kingdom, the integrity of its territory, or the security of its people and their interests, or impedes State institutions from performing their duties, and Article 64, which provides that the King confers decorations in the manner set out by the law.
The Article does not create direct rights or obligations on individuals; it relates to the organization of the State's representation in its relations with other states. Anyone who wants to explore its legal effect may consult a lawyer who specializes in constitutional and administrative law.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
How we write and review contentA question about Article 63 of Basic Law of Governance?
Describe what happened and specialist lawyers answer. You can write in English.
- Completely free
- Lawyers from the directory answer
- Your name stays hidden
International Law & Foreign Investment lawyers: ask a specialist about your case
Describe your situation briefly and we'll suggest a lawyer who specialises in this law
International Law & Foreign Investment lawyers
Lawyers who handle this kind of case
Akbar Law Firm & Legal Consultancy
Dr. Saleh Altayyar & Partners Law Firm
Frequently asked questions about Article 63 of the Saudi Basic Law of Governance
Who appoints Saudi Arabia's ambassadors abroad?
Article 63 provides that the King appoints his representatives to states.
To whom are foreign states' representatives accredited in the Kingdom?
The Article provides that the King accepts the accreditation of states' representatives to him.
Does the Article set out the procedures for appointing representatives?
No. The Article provides only that the appointment belongs to the King, without stating its procedures or conditions.
More articles on The Two Holy Mosques and Foreign Relations
- Article 24
The Article provides that the State builds and serves the Two Holy Mosques and provides security and care for those who visit them, so they can perform Hajj, Umrah and the visit with ease and peace of mind.
تقوم الدولة بإعمار الحرمين الشريفين وخدمتهما، وتوفر الأمن والرعاية لقاصديهما، بما يمكن من أداء الحج والعمرة والزيارة بيسر وطمأنينة.
- Article 25
The Article provides that the State is keen to realize the hopes of the Arab and Islamic nation for solidarity and unity of word, and to strengthen its relations with friendly states.
تحرص الدولة على تحقيق آمال الأمة العربية والإسلامية في التضامن وتوحيد الكلمة، وعلى تقوية علاقاتها بالدول الصديقة.
- Article 42
The Article provides that the State grants the right of political asylum when the public interest requires, and that the laws and international agreements set the rules for extradition of ordinary criminals.
تمنح الدولة حق اللجوء السياسي إذا اقتضت المصلحة العامة ذلك، وتحدد الأنظمة والاتفاقيات الدولية قواعد وإجراءات تسليم المجرمين العاديين.
- Article 81
The article states that applying the Basic Law of Governance does not affect the treaties and agreements Saudi Arabia has entered into with states, bodies and international organizations.
لا يخل تطبيق هذا النظام بما ارتبطت به المملكة العربية السعودية مع الدول والهيئات والمنظمات الدولية من معاهدات واتفاقيات .
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.