New Ambassadors present Credentials, Monday 30th June 2008,14.30 hrs.

Their Excellencies, the Ambassadors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Guinea presented their Letters of Credence to the President at Áras an Uachtárain today.

H.E. Mrs. Kemafo Nonyerem Chikwe, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was accompanied by her husband,  Mr. Herbert Chikwe, her sister Mrs. Nnennaya Nwayiaku Kelejaiye and her daughter Nini Okey-Uche and by Mr. Benedict Amobi, Minister (Political and Economic), Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

H.E. Mr. Lansana Keita, Ambassador of Republic of Guinea was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Aminata Keita and by Dr. Dondo Sylla, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea.

The following were also present at the ceremony:  Mr. Barry Andrews T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children; Mr. Tim O’Connor, Secretary General to the President; Mr. Ray Bassett, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Joe Brennan, Deputy Chief of Protocol and Ms. Marion O’Donnell, Assistant Chief of Protocol at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Ambassadors were escorted to an from the 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 Claire Mortimer.

The Guard of Honour at Áras an Uachtaráin was provided by the 1st Infantry Battalion, Renmore Barracks, Galway.

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

ENDS + + +
Press
30th June 2008