New Ambassadors present Credentials,Thursday, 11th May 2006

Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of the Republic of Estonia, the Syrian Arab Republic and the People's Republic of Bangladesh presented their Letters of Credence to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin today.

His Excellency Mr. Andre Pung, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia was accompanied by Ms Liis Variksaar, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia

His Excellency Dr. Sami Khiyami, Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic was accompanied by Dr. Abdullatif Dabbagh, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic

His Excellency Mr. Sabihuddin Ahmed, Ambassador of the People's Republic of Bangladesh was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Rowmak Ahmed and children Ms Shayzamee Ashma Ahmed and Mr. Saiyab Amal Ahmed

The following were also present at the ceremony: Ms Mary Wallace, T.D.,
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture & Food; Mr. Brian McCarthy, Secretary General to the President; Mr. Dan Mulhall, Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Joe Brennan, Deputy Chief of Protocol, Mr. Eoin Duggan, Assistant Chief of Protocol; Mr Martin Gallagher, Protocol Officer; at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Ambassadors were escorted to and from Áras an Uachtaráin by an Escort of Honour consisting of a motorcycle detachment drawn from the 2nd Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin under the command of Lieutenant Kieran Dillon.

The Guard of Honour at Áras an Uachtaráin was provided by the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp, under the command of Lieutenant Dermot Farrelly.

The Army Band was conducted by Captain Declan Whitston.

ENDS +++
11th May 2006