foreign minister

American  

noun

1. (in countries other than the U.S.) a cabinet minister who conducts and supervises foreign and diplomatic relations with other states.

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foreign minister British  

noun

1. US equivalent: secretary of state.  (often capitals) a cabinet minister who is responsible for a country's dealings with other countries

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Other Word Forms

• foreign ministry
  noun

Etymology

Origin of foreign minister

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

foreign minister

Turkey's foreign minister said Saturday he expected Egypt to join a joint defence agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan designed to stabilize the region, calling the country a "natural partner on all issues".

From Barron's ● Aug. 8, 2026

South Africa's foreign minister wants new rules and "more transparency" to apply to former heads of state undertaking foreign trips.

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026

Iranian state media earlier cited Araghchi, the foreign minister, as saying that discussions on creating a mechanism for ships to pass the Strait of Hormuz were “nearing completion and in their final stages.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026

The government team will also include former foreign minister Jorge Arreaza.

From Barron's ● Aug. 1, 2026

I told him I wanted to see the state president and the foreign minister, Pik Botha.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• cabinet minister
• secretary of state