Their Excellencies, the Ambassadors of the Republic of Mozambique, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic presented their Letters of Credence to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin today.
H.E. Mr. Carlos dos Santos, Ambassador of the Republic of Mozambique, was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Isabel Macedo dos Santos, and Ms. Ilda Trigo Raivoso, Second Secretary at the Embassy.
H.E. Mr. Hyon Hak Bong, Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, was accompanied by Mr. Ju Yong Chol, First Secretary at the Embassy.
H.E. Mr. Khouanta Phalivong, Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Bouakheua Phalivong.
Mr. Joe Costello, T.D., Minister of State for Trade and Development at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, represented the Government at the ceremony.
The following were also present: Mr. Loughlin Quinn, Deputy Secretary-General to the President; Mr. Michael Gaffey, Assistant Secretary, Ms. Orla O’Hanrahan, Chief of Protocol and Ms. Marion O’Donnell, Assistant Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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 Lieutenant Claire Mortimer.
The Guard of Honour was provided at Áras an Uachtaráin by troops drawn from the 4th Infantry Battalion, 1 Southern Brigade, Collins Barracks, Cork, under the command of Lieutenant Rory O’Connor. The Army No. 1 Band was conducted by Captain Declan Whitston.