Canberra, ACT
On Monday 20 May 2019, at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), and Lady Cosgrove, received Letters of Credence from Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk, accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Donatus Shezi (First Secretary), Ms Elizabeth van der Merwe (First Secretary) and Ms Tebogo Bosoga (Third Secretary).
Afterwards, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, received Letters of Credence from Mr Abdulla Al Subousi, accrediting him as the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Matar Al Mansoori (Deputy Head of Mission), Mr Abdulla Al Ahmed (Head of Consular Section) and Brigadier General Tareq Albanny (Military Attaché).
Later, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, received Letters of Credence from Dr Alexey Pavlovsky, accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Russian Federation. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Andrei Ovcharenko (Minister-Counsellor), Mr Vladimir Merinov (Counsellor) and Mrs Maria Fedotova (Attaché).
Then, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, received Letters of Credence from Dr Hajdin Abazi, accrediting him as the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Mehmet Morina (Second Secretary) and Mrs Zane Mehmetaj (Second Secretary). The Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove also received Mrs Fitore Rubovci.
Afterwards, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove hosted a lunch in honour of newly accredited Heads of Mission. Guests included His Excellency Dr Hajdin Abazi, Mr Steven Barraclough, Mrs Zane Mehmetaj, Mr Andrei Ovcharenko, His Excellency Mr Alexey Pavlovsky, Mrs Fitore Rubovci, Ms Lyndall Sachs, His Excellency Mr Martinus Van Schalkwyk, Mr Sibusiso Shezi, His Excellency Mr Andres Unga, and Mrs Jaanika Unga.
In the evening, the Governor-General received Mr Craig Pagden and Mr Grahame Pagden for a call. In the evening, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove hosted a reception to celebrate World Bee Day.