New Ambassadors present Credentials

Their Excellencies the Ambassador of Italy and the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia presented their Letters of Credence to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin today.

H.E. Mr. Valerio Augusto Astraldi, Ambassador of Italy was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Maarit Astraldi and by Mr. Marco Lombardi, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Italy.

H.E. Dr. Dejan Popović, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Zorica Popović and by Ms Marina Marković, Counsellor for Press and Culture at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia

The following were also present at the ceremony ; Mr. Sean Haughey, T,D, Minister for Lifelong Learning, Mr. Tim O’Connor, Secretary General to the President, Mr. Patrick Hennessy, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs,  Ms. Kathleen White, Chief of Protocol and Mr. Joe Brennan, Deputy 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 under the command of Lieutenant Cathal Daly.

The  Guard of Honour was provided at Áras an Uachtaráin by the Supply and Services Unit, Defense Forces Training Camp, Curragh Camp, Co Kildare, under the command of Lieutenant A. Regan.

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

++Ends
12th May 2009
Press Office