Diplomacy Journal Kim Tae Yeon | On the morning of August 12, President Lee Jae-myung received at the Office of the President in Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul credentials from the newly appointed resident ambassadors of four countries--the United States, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Ireland.
The presentation of credentials ceremony is an official diplomatic procedure in which the Head of State of the sending country conveys credentials, conferred by their own new ambassador, to the Head of State of the host country. This ceremony marked the fifth such event held since the launch of the People's Sovereignty Government in Seoul.

The four ambassadors who presented their credentials on this day were Banda Maria Diaz Stelger Széqueira, the Portuguese ambassador to Korea; Jamal Abdullah Mohamed bin Abdulwahab Al Suwaidi, the United Arab Emirates ambassador to Korea; Michelle Steel, the U.S. ambassador to Korea; and Sean Hoy, the Irish ambassador to Korea.

Following the credential presentation ceremony, President Lee held individual meetings with each ambassador to congratulate them on their appointments to Korea. He then urged the new ambassadors to serve as an active bridge to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields between the two countries, based on close communication and deep trust, even amidst rapidly changing international circumstances.

The 65th anniversary of Korea-Portugal diplomatic relations, expansion of substantive cooperation:
Ambassador Széqueira of Portugal assessed that, marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Portugal this year, exchanges between the peoples and businesses of the two nations are actively taking place. However, noting that there is room for further development in bilateral relations, particularly in high-level exchanges, he stated that as the ambassador of Portugal to Korea, he would strive to strengthen practical cooperation in various fields.

Development of the Korea-UAE Special Strategic Partnership:
Ambassador Al Suwaidi of the United Arab Emirates in Seoul assessed that President Lee’s state visit to the UAE last November served as a significant turning point that took bilateral relations to the next higher level.
He further conveyed his intention to do his utmost to ensure that the special strategic partnership between Korea and the UAE develop in a more future-oriented direction through preparations for President Mohammed’s successful return visit.

Ireland strengthens communication with Korea as G20 and EU rotating chair:
Ambassador Hoy of Ireland to Korea stated that he considers it a great honor to present his credentials as the ambassador of Ireland to Korea.

Ambassador Hoy said that he would strive to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, based on the high potential for cooperation between the two countries. He also expressed hopes that Ireland would communicate closely with Korea as a G20 invited country and the rotating chair of the European Union (EU) in the second half of this year.

Ambassador Michelle Steel of the United States in Seoul said: “Promoting mutual understanding and friendly cooperation between Korea and the U.S. is my responsibility."

Ambassador Steel expressed her great pleasure in assuming her post in Korea. She stated that she would strive to engage in broad communication with the Korean government and people to promote mutual understanding and friendly cooperation between the two nations.

President Lee expressed his expectation that Ambassador Steel, who possessed a deep understanding of the Korean culture and society, will serve as a reliable bridge in further strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance.
President Lee also emphasized that various pending issues between the ROK and the U.S. could be smoothly resolved through reasonable and active dialogue and cooperation, and that the ROK-U.S. relationship would be further advanced based on this process.

The credentials presentation ceremony is expected to serve as an opportunity to reaffirm trust with key allies and expand substantive cooperation in various fields, including diplomacy, security, economy and culture.