Their Excellencies, the Ambassador of the Republic of Finland, the Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Ambassador of the Repulic of The Gambia presented their Letters of Credence to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin today.
When another country wishes to appoint a new Ambassador to Ireland the Government must agree to that appointment. An accreditation ceremony subsequently takes places at Áras an Uachtaráin.
The Ambassador-designate is greeted on arrival at Áras an Uachtaráin and invited to sign the visitors book. The Ambassador-designate then proceeds to the State Reception room, where he/she formally presents a letter of credence to the President of Ireland.
The formal exchanges of greetings between the new Ambassador and the President gives them the opportunity to get to know one another and also to convey messages between the authorities of the respective states.
Following accreditation, the new Ambassador is escorted by the President to the main front door of Áras an Uachtaráin where he/she inspects a military guard of honour. The new Ambassador then departs Áras an Uachtaráin with a military escort.
H.E. Ms. Raili Lahnalampi, Ambassador of the Republic of Finland was accompanied by her husband, Mr. John Horgan and by Ms. Anne Mutanen, Counsellor, and Deputy Head of Mission.
H.E. Mrs. Gergana Karadjova, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria was accompanied by her husband Mr. Ilian Karadjova, and by Mr. Svetlozar Panov, Minister Counsellor and Head of Consulate Service.
H.E. Mr. Francis Rene Blain, Ambassador of the Repulic of The Gambia, travelled from London for the event.
Mr. David Stanton, T.D., Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration, represented the Government at the ceremony.
