New Ambassadors present Credentials - 29 July 2025

Her Excellency, Sophie Katsarava, Ambassador of Georgia and Her Excellency, Asma Khelef, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria presented their Letters of Credence to President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin today. 

Her Excellency, Sophie Katsarava, Ambassador of Georgia was accompanied by Mr. Merab Manjgaladze, Senior Counsellor at the Embassy of Georgia.

Her Excellency, Asma Khelef, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria was accompanied by Mr. Djameledine Djaaleb, First Secretary at the Embassy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.

Niamh Smyth, Minister of State at Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with special responsibility for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation attended to represent the government.

The following were also present: Mr. George Burke, Deputy Secretary General to the President; Ms. Sile Maguire, Director General, Corporate Services Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Ms. Claire Callaghan, Assistant Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Comdt. Brian Walsh, Capt. Austin Doyle and Capt. Pol O’Donnell, and Capt. Eva Houlihan, Aides-de-Camp to the President; 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 Brigade Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin under the command of Second Lieutenant Bobby Smith.

​A Guard of Honour was provided at Áras an Uachtaráin by the 28 Infantry Battalion, Finner Camp, Co. Donegal under the command of Lieutenant Andrew O’Connor

Lieutenant Cian O’Connell from 28 Infantry Battalion, Finner Camp, Co. Donegal was the flag officer.

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

ENDS

Press Office 

29 July 2025