New Ambassador of Portugal presents Credentials

His Excellency, Mr. Paulo Castilho, presented his Letter of Credence as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Portugal to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin today. The Ambassador was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Maria Luisa Castilho and by Mr. Luís Quartin Graça, First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Portugal.

The Minister of State for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Mr. Pat the Cope Gallagher T.D. was present at the ceremony.
 

Also present were Mr. Brian McCarthy, Secretary General to the President;
 

Mr. Dermot Gallagher, Secretary General, Department of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Joe  Brennan, Deputy Chief of Protocol at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
 

The Ambassador was 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 Denise Mc Donagh.
 

The Guard of Honour at Áras an Uachtaráin was provided by the 4th Field Artillary Regiment, Columb Barracks, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, under the command of Lieutenant Dave Clarke.
 

The Army No. 1 Band was conducted by Commandant Mark Armstrong.