RIYADH: In a step which aims to counter “improper exchange of special goods and alcoholic beverages received by the embassies of Non-Muslim countries inside Saudi Arabia”, Arab News has obtained information of a new regularity framework to be implemented — in accordance with the Vienna Convention On Diplomatic Relations 1961 — to curb the uncontrolled importing of these special goods and liquors within the diplomatic consignments.
The framework will allow it to enter according to a licensed quotas and specified quantities in order to put an end to the improper exchange of these products in the Kingdom.
Arab News sources also mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs “is in the process of informing the diplomatic missions in the Kingdom of the new measures,” which sources say will take effect as of Jan. 22, 2024.
The source indicated that the new regulations are intended as a “correction measures of the previous mechanism that has been in effect since the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations back in 1961.”
“This amendment will be introduced to allow and ensure that all diplomats of non-Muslim embassies have access to these special products and spirits within a specifed qoutas and via a regulated process that prohibit illegal exchange activities,” the source added.( Source: Arab News)
