New Ambassadors present Credentials

Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Bulgaria, the Republic of India and of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg presented their Letters of Credence to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin today.

His Excellency Mr. Liu Biwei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, was accompanied by Mr. Lu Kang, Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.

His Excellency Mr. Emil Savov Yalnazov, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Sylvia Yalnazova , their children Svilen and Martin Yalnazov and Mr. Lyudmil Tsvetkov, Third Secretary, at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria.

His Excellency Mr. P.S. Raghavan, Ambassador of the Republic of India, was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Barbara Raghavan, their sons Sirish and Anish Raghavan and Mr. M.C. Naithani, Minister at the Embassy of the Republic of India.

His Excellency Mr. Hubert Wurth, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Francisca Wurth and Ms. Angèle da Cruz, Deputy Head of Mission and Counsellor, Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The following were also present at the ceremony: Mr. John McGuinness T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Mr. Tim O’Connor, Secretary General to the President; Ms. Mary Whelan, Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs;  Ms. Kathleen White, Chief of Protocol at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joe Brennan, Deputy Chief of Protocol, Mr. Tom Bolster, Deputy Chief of Protocol and Ms. Marion O’Donnell, 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 2nd Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin, under the command of 2nd Lieutenant James Sharkey.

The Guard of Honour at Áras an Uachtaráin was provided by the 12th Infantry Battalion, Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, under the command of Lieutenant Shane Courtney.

The Army No. 1 Band was conducted by Lieutenant Fergal Carroll.

ENDS +++
11th November 2007
Press Office