New Ambassadors present Credentials

Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Armenia and Bosnia & Herzegovina presented their Letters of Credence to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin today.

His Excellency Mr. Zhang Xinsen, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, was accompanied by Mr. Fan Jian, Counsellor at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China.

His Excellency Dr. Vahe Gabrielyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia, was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Hasmik Gabrielyan and children Vazgen and Tigran Gabrielyan and by Mr. Stepan Kartashyan, Third Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia.

Her Excellency Ms Tanja Milasinovic, Ambassador of Bosnia & Herzegovina was accompanied by Mrs. Enisa Hadzovic, Counsellor at the Embassy of Bosnia & Herzegovina.

The following were also present at the ceremony: Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D.,
Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Brian McCarthy, Secretary General to the President; Mr. Brendan Lyons, Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Joe Brennan, Deputy Chief of Protocol, Ms. Sonya McGuinness, Assistant Chief of Protocol  and Mr. Eóin Duggan, Assistant 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, Dublin under the command of 2nd Lieutenant Patrick Holohan.

The Guard of Honour at Áras an Uachtaráin was provided by the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp under the command of 2nd Lieutenant Brian Cahill.

The Army No. 1 Band was conducted by Commandant Mark Armstrong.

Press Section
5th December 2005
ENDS