Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

On Wednesday 4 December 2024, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, received Letters of Credence accrediting His Excellency Mr Diego Felipe Cadena Montenegro as the Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia. The Ambassador was accompanied by his spouse Mrs Betsaida Esmirna Cruz Santiago; Mrs Esther Margarita Arias Cuentas, Minister Counsellor; Mrs Ana Maria Gutierrez Urresta, Consul; and Mr Javier Ricardo Parada Mendez, First Secretary. 

Then, the Governor-General met with students and teachers from Darling Ranges Sports College, Forrestfield, Western Australia, as they undertook school tour of Government House.

Afterwards, the Governor-General received Letters of Credence accrediting Her Excellency Mrs Jane J Chigiyal, as the Ambassador of the Federated States of Micronesia. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Brendy H Carl, First Secretary.

Later, the Governor-General received Letters of Credence accrediting His Excellency Mr Antonio Manuel Luvualu de Carvalho as the Ambassador of the Republic of Angola. The Ambassador was accompanied by Ms Maria de Lourdes Freitas, Counsellor; and Ms Maria Odete Cristovao, Finance Officer.

Then, the Governor-General received Letters of Credence accrediting His Excellency Mr Antonio Morales as the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Aian Caringal, Minister and Consul General; Mr Eduardo Castillo, Defence and Armed Forces Attache; and Ms Maria Odete Cristovao, Finance Officer.

In the afternoon, the Governor-General hosted lunch for recently and newly accredited Heads of Missions. Guests included: Her Excellency Ms Betty Bernardica Pavelich, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Croatia; Her Excellency Ms Esther Monterrubio Villar, Ambassador of Spain, and Mr Ignacio Boloix Peiro, Counsellor; His Excellency Mr Diego Felipe Cadena Montenegro, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia, and Mrs Betsaida Esmirna Cruz Santiago; Mrs Jane J Chigiyal, Ambassador of the Federated States of Micronesia, and Mr Brendy H. Carl, First Secretary; His Excellency Mr Antonio Manuel Luvualu de Carvalho, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola, and Ms Maria de Lourdes Freitas, Counsellor; His Excellency Mr Antonio Morales, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines, and Mr Aian Caringal, Minister and Consul General; Mr Justin Mohamed, Ambassador for First Nations People; Ms Elly Lawson, Foreign Minister’s representative, Deputy Secretary Strategic Planning and Coordination Group; Mr George Mina, Deputy Secretary Strategic Planning and Coordination Group; and Mr Jonathan Muir, Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Then, the Governor-General received Aunty Pam Penderson, Board Member; and Ms Felicia Dean, Chief Executive Officer, Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative.

Later, the Governor-General hosted a reception for United Nations Day.