New Ambassadors present Credentials, Wednesday 4th July 2007

Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of Austria, the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea presented their Letters of Credence to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin yesterday.

His Excellency Dr. Walter Hagg, Ambassador of Austria, was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Aglaë Hagg, Mr. Peter Mikl, Minister and Brigadier Michael Derman, Defence Attaché, Embassy of Austria.

His Excellency Mr. Melvin Humpah Chalobah, Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone presented his Letters of Credence.

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His Excellency Mr. Song Nam Ja, Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, was accompanied by Mr. Ri Ung Chol, Second Secretary, Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The following were also present at the ceremony: Mr. Michael Kitt T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Tim O’Connor, Secretary General to the President; Mr. Rory Montgomery, Political Director, Department of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Kathleen White, Chief of Protocol at the Department of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Joe Brennan, Deputy Chief of Protocol at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Ms. Lorraine Christian, Assistant Chief of Protocol 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 2^nd Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin, under the command of 2^nd Lieutenant Kieran Dillon.

The Guard of Honour at Áras an Uachtaráin was provided by Dún Ui Mhaoiliosa, Gaillimh, under the command of Lieutenant Colm Cambpell.

The Army No. 1 Band was conducted by Lieutenant Brian Prendergast.

ENDS+++

5 July, 2007

Press Office