Their Excellencies, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China and the Ambassador of the Republic of Benin presented their Letters of Credence to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin today.
H.E. Mr. He Xiangdong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China was accompanied by his wife Ms. Xia Lining and by Mr. Huang He, Political Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission.
H.E. Mr. Auguste Alavo, Ambassador of the Republic of Benin was accompanied by Mr. Maxime Ntia, First Secretary for Economic Affairs.
Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D., Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, represented the Government at the ceremony.
The following were also present: Mr. Art O’Leary, Secretary General to the President; Mr. James Kingston, Legal Adviser, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Mr. Feilim McLaughlin and Mr. Joe Brennan, Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Ambassadors were accompanied to and from Áras an Uachtaráin by an Escort of Honour consisting of a motorcycle detachment drawn from the 2 Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin, under the command of Lieutenant David Kelly.
A Guard of Honour was provided at Áras an Uachtaráin by the 1 Armoured Cavalry Squadron, Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare, under the command of Second Lieutenant Conor Heffernan.
Captain John Carpenter conducted the Army No. 1 Band, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin.
