There are two meanings of the word protocol: in the legal sense it is defined as an international agreement which supplements or amends a treaty; whereas in the diplomatic sense the term refers to the set of rules, procedures, conventions and ceremonies which relate to relations between states. In general, protocol represents the recognized and generally accepted system of international courtesy.
The term 'protocol' is derived from the Greek word "protokollan" (first glue). This comes from the act of gluing a sheet of paper to the front of a document to preserve it when it was sealed, which imparted additional authenticity to it. In the beginning the term protocol related to the various forms observed in official correspondence between states, which were often elaborate in nature. In course of time, however, it has come to cover a much wider range of international relations.
Link to this comment:
All Comments (0)