Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

On Wednesday 7 August 2019, at Government House, Canberra, His Excellency, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), accompanied by Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, received Letters of Credence from Mr Armando Vargas-Araya, accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica. The Ambassador was accompanied by Ms Roxana Tinoco-Brenes, Consul-General. The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley also received Mrs Maria Cristina Guzman-Hidalgo.

Afterwards, the Governor-General received Letters of Credence from Dr Thomas Fitschen, accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany. The Ambassador was accompanied by Dr Andreas Radtke, Minister, Commander Markus Rehbein, Defence Attaché, and Mr Jens Hoch, First Secretary.

Later, the Governor-General received Letters of Credence from Mr Alberto José Mejia, accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr José Luis Ortiz, First Secretary, Ms Caroline Mesa, Second Secretary, and Ms Ana Marίa Velásquez, Consul. The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley also received Mrs Lina Marίa Sanmiguel.

Then, the Governor-General received Letters of Credence from Ms Kersti Eesmaa, accrediting her as the Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mrs Tiina Väärtmaa, Deputy Head of Mission.

In the afternoon, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley hosted a lunch in honour of newly accredited Heads of Mission. Guests included Mr Majid Alnekhailawi, His Excellency Mr Abdulla Al Subousi, His Excellency Mr Armando Vargas Araya, Ms Roxana Tinoco Brenes, Her Excellency Ms Kersti Eesmaa, His Excellency Dr Thomas Fitschen, His Excellency Mr Abel Guterres, Mrs Ana Guterres, Mrs Maria Cristina Guzman-Hidalgo, Ms Kate Logan, Mr Richard Maude, His Excellency Mr Alberto Mejia, Mr José Luis Ortiz, Mr Andreas Ratke, Mrs Lina Sanmiguel, and Mrs Tiina Väärtmaa.