New Ambassadors present Credentials – 13 January 2026

His Excellency, Miyagawa Manabu, Ambassador of Japan, and Her Excellency Mariam Aftab, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, presented their Letters of Credence to President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin today.

His Excellency, Miyagawa Manabu, Ambassador of Japan, was accompanied by his spouse Mrs. Miyagawa Noriko, and Mr. Hirohata Koji, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan.

Her Excellency, Mariam Aftab, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was accompanied by Mr. Shahid Iqbal, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Mr. Robert Troy, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for Financial Institutions, Credit Unions and Insurance, attended on behalf of the Government.

The following were also present: Ms. Orla O’Hanrahan, Secretary General to the President; Mr. Colm Hayes, Director General, Global Ireland and Economic Division, Department of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Patricia O’Brien, Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Mr. John Lynam, Deputy Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Col. Tom McGrath, Comdt. Brian Walsh, Comdt. Deirdre Newell, and Capt. Pól Ó Domhnaill Aides-de-Camp to the President.

The Ambassadors were accompanied to and from Áras an Uachtaráin by an Escort of Honour consisting of a motorcycle detachment drawn from the 2 Brigade Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin, under the command of Lieutenant Iarlaith Morrin-Laheen.

A Guard of Honour was provided at Áras an Uachtaráin by the 12 Infantry Battalion, Sarsfield Barracks, Co. Limerick under the command of Lieutenant Glen Martin.

2nd Lieutenant Thomas Sherry from the 12 Infantry Battalion, Sarsfield Barracks, Co. Limerick was the flag officer.

Captain Thomas Kelly conducted the No. 1 Army Band, which is based in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin.

ENDS

Press Office

13 January 2026