Their Excellencies, the Ambassadors of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Republic of South Africa, and France presented their Letters of Credence to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin today.
H.E. Mr. Afonso José Sena Cardoso, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil, was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Solange Escosteguy Cardoso, and by Mr. Luiz Cesar Gasser, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy.
H.E. Mr. Ahlangene Cyprian Sigcau, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa, was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Vuyokazi Sigcau, and their children - son, Maqhawe Luhle, and daughter, Ezamatshawe Sihle and by Mrs. Thobeka Dlamini, Counsellor Political and Deputy Head of Mission.
H.E. Mr. Jean-Pierre Thébault, Ambassador of France, was accompanied by Mr. Philippe Ray, First Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission.
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. Adrian O’Neill, Secretary-General to the President; Ms. Anne Barrington, Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Ms. Orla O’Hanrahan, Chief of Protocol; Mr. Joe Brennan and Ms. Marion O’Donnell, 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 Cathal Daly.
A Guard of Honour was provided at Áras an Uachtaráin by the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny, under the command of Lieutenant Larry Scallan.
Captain Fergal Carroll conducted the Army No. 1 Band.