Canberra, ACT

On Wednesday 29 August 2018, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), received from His Excellency Dr Basim Hattab Altumma, Letters of Credence accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq. The Ambassador was accompanied by Ms Lubna Abdulkareem (Third Secretary), and

Mr Ahmed Sabbar (Protocol Officer).

Afterwards, the Governor-General received from His Excellency Mr Luke Daunivalu, Letters of Commission accrediting him as the High Commissioner for the Republic of Fiji. The High Commissioner was accompanied by Mr Zarak Khan (Consul-General),

Mr Kartik Kunaal Pratap (First Secretary), and Mr Lote Raboila Umari (Second Secretary). The Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove also received Mrs Patricia Joana Cava Daunivalu.

Later, the Governor-General received from His Excellency Mr Babar Amin, Letters of Commission accrediting him as the High Commissioner for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The High Commissioner was accompanied by Dr Muhammad Khalid Ejaz (Minister), Mr Aamer Ahmed (Counsellor), and Brigadier Muhammad Khan (Defence Adviser). The Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove also received Mrs Uzma Babar.

Then, the Governor-General received from His Excellency Mr Mesaad Ibrahim Al Sulaim, Letters of Credence accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Meshal Hamdan Al Rogi (Minister),

Colonel Sami Fahad Almotairy (Military Attaché), and Dr Hesham Abdulrahman Khadawardi (Cultural Attaché).

Afterwards, the Governor-General received from His Excellency Mr Saad Al-Shareef, Letters of Credence accrediting him as the Ambassador of The State of Qatar. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Mohammed Al-Badr (Second Secretary).

Later, the Governor-General received from His Excellency Mr Fereidoun Haghbin, Letters of Credence accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Reza Booraghi (Counsellor),

Mr Mohammad Alirezaei (Counsellor), and Dr Mohammad Pournajaf (Counsellor).

In the afternoon, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove hosted a lunch in honour of newly accredited Heads of Mission. Guests included: Mr Mohammed Al-Badr; Mr Meshal Hamdan Al Rogi; His Excellency Mr Saad Al-Shareef; His Excellency Mr Mesaad Ibrahim Al Sulaim; His Excellency Mr Babar Amin and Mrs Uzma Babar; Mr Reza Booraghi; His Excellency Mr Luke Daunivalu and Mrs Patricia Joana Cava Daunivalu; Dr Muhammad Khalid Ejaz; His Excellency Mr Fereidoun Haghbin; Mr Zarak Khan;

Mr Christopher Langman.

Earlier, the Governor-General met with students from Narranga Public School; St Mary’s Primary School; and Orange Christian School, NSW, as they undertook a tour of Government House as part of their visit to Canberra.