New Ambassadors present Credentials - 16 December 2025

His Excellency, Matej Marn, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia and His Excellency, Pham Toan Thang, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, presented their Letters of Credence to President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin today.

His Excellency, Matej Marn, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia was accompanied by his spouse Mrs. Ajda Marn, their son Vito Marn, and Ms. Anna Fox, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia.

His Excellency, Pham Toan Thang, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Le Thi Lan and Ms. Nguyen Phan Quynh Giao, Third Secretary, Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

Michael Moynihan, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth with special responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, attended on behalf of the government.

The following were also present: Ms. Orla O’Hanrahan, Secretary General to the President; Ms. Síle Maguire, Director General, Corporate Services Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; 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 2nd Lieutenant Bobby Smith.

A Guard of Honour was provided at Áras an Uachtaráin by the Cadet School, Defence Forces Training Centre, Co. Kildare under the command of Lieutenant Alex Grenham.

Lieutenant Peter Kennan from the Cadet School, Defence Forces Training Centre, Co. Kildare was the flag officer.

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