merrion street

Their Excellencies, the Ambassadors of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Lithuania, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federative Republic of Brazil presented their Letters of Credence to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin today.

H.E. Mr. Peter Kok, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands was accompanied by his spouse, Ms. Terry Kok and Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Thomas Klück.

H.E. Mr. Egidijus Meilūnas, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Galina Meilūnienė, his daughter Ms. Izabele Šuškevičiūtė and the Deputy Head of Mission, Mrs. Virginija Umbrasienė.

H.E. Dr. (Mrs.) Uzoma Elizabeth Emenike, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was accompanied by her spouse, Chief Ikechi Emenike, her daughters, Miss Ngozi Chinyere Emenike, Miss Oluchi Emenike and Miss Chioma Emenike, her son, Mr Ikechi Emenike and also by Minister Plenipotentiary, Mr. Olusola Iginla.

H.E. Ms. Eliana Zugaib, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil was accompanied by her spouse, Mr. Stefan Chochol and by the Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. André Baker Méio.

Minister John Paul Phelan, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government with special responsibility for Local Government and Electoral Reform represented the Government at the ceremony.

The following were also present: Mr. Conor Ó Raghallaigh, Deputy Secretary-General to the President; Comdt Louise Conlon, Senior Aide to the President; Mr. Bobby McDonagh, Deputy Secretary General in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Mr. Feilim McLaughlin, Mr. Joe Brennan, Ms. Claire Buckley and Ms. Mary Cusack, 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 Second Lieutenant Jason Nugent.

A Guard of Honour was provided at Áras an Uachtaráin by the 7th Infantry Battalion, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin under the command of Lieutenant Christopher McGuigan.

Captain Fergal Carroll conducted the Army No. 1 Band, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin.