New Ambassadors present Credentials – 21 May 2026

New Ambassadors present Credentials - 21 May 2026

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 21 May 2026
• Last updated on: 21 May 2026

His Excellency, Eshagh Alhabib, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Excellency João Pedro de Vasconcelos Fins do Lago, Ambassador of Portugal and his Excellency Manish Gupta, Ambassador of India, presented their Letters of Credence to President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin today.

His Excellency, Eshagh Alhabib, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Ferzaneh Habibi and Dr Seyed Esmaeel Yasini, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

His Excellency, João Pedro de Vasconcelos Fins do Lago, Ambassador of Portugal was accompanied by Mr. Henrique Sousa de Azevedo, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Portugal.

His Excellency, Manish Gupta, Ambassador of India was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Nimeesha Gupta and Mr. Rupesh Kumar, Second Secretary at the Embassy of India.

Ms. Emer Higgins T.D., Minister at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality with special responsibility for Disability attended on behalf of the Government.

The following were also present: Ms. Orla O'Hanrahan, Secretary General to the President; Mr. Joe Hackett, Secretary General, 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; Ms. Rachel Fleming, Assistant Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Comdt. Colin Campbell, Comdt Catherine Barrett and Capt. Pól O'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 Air Corps, Baldonnell Aerodrome, Co. Dublin under the command of Lieutenant Jason Lynch.

Lieutenant James Dineen from the Air Corps, Baldonnell Aerodrome, Co. Dublin was the flag officer.

Captain William Chester conducted the Band of the 2 Brigade which is based in Custume Barracks, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.