Minister, in international relations, is a diplomatic agent who represents his or her country in a foreign land. Ministers are appointed by the head of their country and rank below ambassadors. The president of the United States appoints ministers. Like all U.S. diplomatic agents, ministers get their credentials from the secretary of state. In some countries, the name minister is also given to high administrative officers who make up the cabinet or executive body (see Cabinet ). See also Ambassador ; Diplomacy ; Ministry .
