Canberra, ACT

On Wednesday 1 March 2017, at the National Library of Australia, Canberra, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the President of Gift of Life, Mr David O’Leary, officiated the start of the Gift of Life’s DonateLife Walk.

Afterwards, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General received from His Excellency Mr Juan Rodrigo Salazar Sancisi, Letters of Credence accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador. The Ambassador was accompanied by Ms Susan Chiriboga Allnutt (Minister), Ms Daniela Garcia (Second Secretary) and Mr Ivan Flores (Third Secretary). The Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove also received Ms Nancy Patricia Donoso Nieto.

Later, the Governor-General received from Her Excellency Ms Beryl Rose Sisulu, Letters of Commission accrediting her as the High Commissioner for the Republic of South Africa. The High Commissioner was accompanied by Mr Donatus Shezi (First Secretary), Mr Soobramoney Govender (Counsellor) and Ms Fezeka Mashishi (First Secretary).

Then, the Governor-General received from His Excellency Mr Wahidullah Waissi, Letters of Credence accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Abbas Farasoo (Counsellor), Mr Shafeullah Khavari (First Secretary) and Mr Zabihullah Lodin (Third Secretary). The Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove also received Ms Manizha Waissi.

In the afternoon, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove hosted a lunch in honour of newly accredited Heads of Mission. Guests included: His Excellency Mr Collin Beck and Ms Helen Beck; Ms Susan Chiriboga Allnutt; Mr Abbas Farasoo; His Excellency Mr Abel Guterres and Ms Ana Guterres; Ms Lyndall Sachs; His Excellency Mr Juan Salazar Sancisi and Ms Nacy Donoso Nieto; Mr Donatus Shezi; Her Excellency Ms Beryl Sisulu; His Excellency Mr Wahidullak Waissi and Ms Manizha Waissi; and Ms Penny Williams.

Earlier, the Governor-General met with students from Mitcham Primary School, VIC, and Bandiana Primary School, VIC, as they undertook a tour of Government House as part of their visit to Canberra.