Credentials ceremony

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Envoys for Egypt, South Africa, Mongolia, Georgia and Myanmar presented their credentials to the Governor-General, Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, at Government House in Wellington on Wednesday 27 February 2013. The ceremony included a Māori ceremonial challenge, and a military guard of honour provided by the New Zealand Army.

The Ambassador for Egypt, HE Mr Hassan Hanafy Mahmoud El-Laithy, is a career diplomat.  He has previously served as Egypt’s Ambassador to Slovakia as well as undertaking postings in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.  Mr El-Laithy is based in Canberra.

The High Commissioner for South Africa, HE Ntombizodwa Msuthukazi Lallie, worked as a public relations practitioner before joining the diplomatic service in 2002.  Prior to her appointment to New Zealand, Ms Lallie was Chief Director of the Africa Multilateral Division in the Department of International Relations and Co-operation.  She has also served as Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire and High Commissioner to Ghana.  Ms Lallie is based in Wellington.

The Ambassador for Mongolia, HE Mr Ravdan Bold, has had a lengthy career in diplomacy and intelligence.   Prior to his appointment to New Zealand, Mr Bold was Director of the General Intelligence Agency of Mongolia and Ambassador to the United States.   Mr Bold is based in Canberra.

The Ambassador for Georgia, HE Mr Vladimer Konstantinidi, is a career public servant, with experience in law enforcement and tax collection.  Prior to joining the diplomatic service, Mr Konstantinidi worked in the Ministries of Tax Revenue, Finance and Interior Affairs.  Prior to his appointment to New Zealand, Mr Konstantinidi was Ambassador to Cyprus.   He is based in Canberra.

The Ambassador for Myanmar, HE Mr U Min Thein, has had a lengthy career in his country’s military before his first diplomatic appointment as Ambassador to Russia in 2006.  Prior to joining the diplomatic service, Mr Thein was Rector of the Defence Services Medical Academy with the rank of Brigadier-General.   He is based in Canberra.