Canberra, ACT

On Thursday 1 December 2016, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), presided at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council.

Afterwards, the Governor-General received from Her Excellency Ms Jeanne Guehe, Letters of Credence accrediting her as the Ambassador of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire.

Later, the Governor-General received from His Excellency Mr Karim Medrek, Letters of Credence accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Ahmed Ait Aissa (Minister), Mr Idriss Barhon (Counsellor) and Mr Harchem El Moummy (Counsellor). The Governor-General and Lady Cosrgove also received Ms Fatine Charrat.

Then, the Governor-General received from His Excellency Dr Ajay Gondane, Letters of Commission accrediting him as the High Commissioner for the Republic of India. The High Commissioner was accompanied by Mr Ajay Kumar Amban (Deputy High Commissioner), Mr Sonal Bajaj (Counsellor) and Captain Chetan Chandegave (Defence Advisor). The Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove also received Mrs Varsha Gondane.

In the afternoon, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove hosted a lunch in honour of newly accredited Heads of Mission. Guests included: Mr Ahmed Ait-Aissa; Mr Ajay Kumar Amban; His Excellency Dr Ajay Gondane and Mrs Varsha Gondane; Her Excellency Ms Jeanne Guehe; His Excellency Mr Charles Lepani and Dr Katherine Lepani; His Excellency Mr Karim Medrek and Ms Fatine Charrat; Ms Lyndall Sachs; and Mr Ric Wells.

Afterwards, the Governor-General received the Honourable Richard Court AC.

Later, at the Royal Canberra Golf Course, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove presented the Order of Australia Association 2016 Student Citizenship Awards.

In the evening, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove hosted a reception for RAAF Number 34 Squadron and VIP Operations unit.