Last year, 33 foreign Ambassadors presented their Credentials - the official documents identifying the new Ambassadors as official representatives of their Head of State - to President Higgins.
The process involved in accrediting an Ambassador is explained here.
When Ambassadors have reached the end of their term, the President invites them on a Courtesy Call to Áras an Uachtaráin, to thank the Ambassadors for their service, hear their experiences in Ireland and discuss the departing Ambassador’s views on issues of relevance to our bilateral relations.
Today, President Higgins received H.E. Mr A C Sigcau, Ambassador of South Africa, on a Farewell Courtesy Call.