PROTOCOL

His Majesty the King accepts new ambassadors’ letters of credence

Six extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors appointed by their States as national representatives in Spain this morning presented their letters of credence to King Felipe VI, accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares.

January 12, 2024

The accredited ambassadors were, in this order, the representatives of the Republic of El Salvador, Joaquín Alexander Maza Martelli; of the Republic of North Macedonia, Edmond Ademi; of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Reza Zabib; of the Republic of Peru, Walter Francisco Gutiérrez Camacho; of the Kingdom of Thailand, Vosita Vorasaph; and of the Republic of Angola, Alfredo Dombe.

The ceremony for presenting said letters of credence to the head of State dates back to the 18th century and has remained virtually unchanged to the present day. The new ambassadors travel from the Palace of Santa Cruz, the historic headquarters of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, to the Royal Palace, escorted by the Royal Guard Squadron on horseback and the Municipal Police Scouting Squad. On their arrival at the Palace, they are welcomed in the Patio de la Armería by the Royal Guard band, who play the anthems of their respective countries. In addition to receiving the accreditation documents, Felipe VI holds a brief individual meeting with each of the new ambassadors, in accordance with tradition.

PHOTOS: Pepe Méndez y María Lucía Rodríguez (NOLSOM)