Envoys for China, the European Union, Guyana and Mozambique will present their credentials to the Governor-General, Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, at Government House in Wellington tomorrow (Wednesday 13 November 2013).
The ceremony, which will include a Māori ceremonial challenge, and a military guard of honour provided by the Royal New Zealand Air Force begins at 11am.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, HE Mr Wang Lutong, is a career diplomat who joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1992. Prior to his latest appointment, Mr Wang was Counsel in the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee. Mr Wang is based in Wellington and New Zealand is his first posting as an Ambassador.
The Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union, HE Mr Sem Fabrizi, is an Italian career diplomat. Prior to his latest appointment he served as Adviser for External Relations to the President of the European Council, responsible for Asia, Middle East, North Africa, the G8 and the G20. Mr Fabrizi is based in Canberra.
The High Commissioner for the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, HE Mr Harry Narine Nawbatt, has had a varied career in education, accountancy and government prior to becoming a diplomat. A former Minister of Transport and Housing (2005-8), he has also served as chief accountant for the Guyana Airways Corporation and principal auditor in the Office of the Auditor-General. Mr Nawbatt is based on Ottawa, Canada.
The High Commissioner for the Republic of Mozambique, HE Mr Belmiro José Malate, is a career diplomat. Prior to his current appointment, he was Mozambique’s High Commissioner to Botswana and representative to the South African Development Community. Mr Malate is based in Tokyo, where is also the Ambassador to Japan and the Republic of Korea.
Media wishing to attend the ceremony must contact Antony Paltridge, Public Affairs Manager, on 021 470583 by 9am on 13 November 2013.