TL;DR
- What: UAE formally received credentials of new foreign ambassadors.
- When: July 11, 2025.
- Where: Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Why: To strengthen bilateral and multilateral international relations.
- Who: President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and senior UAE officials welcomed ambassadors from Belarus, Ecuador, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, and Honduras.
- How: Through a diplomatic credential ceremony emphasizing support and cooperation.
- Impact: Reinforces UAE’s role as a global diplomatic hub and expands strategic ties across continents.
In a ceremony rich with diplomatic significance, the United Arab Emirates formally welcomed a new cohort of foreign ambassadors, reinforcing its commitment to deepening international partnerships across continents.Held at Qasr Al Watan in the capital, the official reception was led by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who received the credentials of several newly appointed ambassadors to the UAE. The event was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, alongside other senior officials and ministers.The President extended a warm welcome to the diplomats, wishing them success in their missions and reaffirming the UAE’s enduring approach to foreign relations, built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared interests. “You will receive full support from the UAE’s institutions to carry out your work and strengthen the bonds between our nations,” His Highness noted during the ceremony.
Diplomatic Reception at the Palace
The reception at Qasr Al Watan, a symbolic venue known for hosting major state functions, underlined the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties. Among the dignitaries present were H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State; and Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority Each ambassador presented their formal letter of credentials, marking the official beginning of their diplomatic tenure in the UAE. Their appointments reflect a diverse group of nations, both regionally and geographically, and speak to the Emirates’ growing role as a hub for global dialogue.
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The following ambassadors presented their credentials during the ceremony:1. Igor Bely, Ambassador of the Republic of BelarusAppointed on July 11, 2025, Igor Bely assumes his role as Belarus’s Ambassador to the UAE. He previously served as Ambassador to South Africa and concurrently held the post of Ambassador to Kuwait. Bely has held various positions within Belarus’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a focus on Middle East relations. With a strong background in international diplomacy, he aims to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation between Belarus and the Emirates.2. Felipe Ribadeneira Molestina, Ambassador of the Republic of EcuadorAppointed on July 11, 2025, Felipe Ribadeneira Molestina begins his tenure as Ecuador’s Ambassador to the UAE. Previously, he was President of the Federación Ecuatoriana de Exportadores (Fedexpor) and the Comité Empresarial Ecuatoriano, focusing on trade and export promotion. With a degree in international relations, Ribadeneira worked in Ecuador’s private sector, strengthening economic ties in oil and agriculture, and now advances Ecuador-UAE bilateral cooperation.3. Pavol Panis, Ambassador of the Slovak RepublicAppointed on July 11, 2025, Pavol Panis takes up his role as Slovakia’s Ambassador to the UAE. Previously, he held diplomatic roles in Slovakia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, focusing on economic and trade diplomacy. With a background in international relations, Panis worked on EU-Middle East cooperation, aiming to strengthen Slovakia’s economic, cultural, and investment ties with the UAE, fostering bilateral partnerships.4. Arush Vinodhini Cooray, Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri LankaArush Vinodhini Cooray officially assumes her post as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the UAE as of July 11, 2025. Previously, she was Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Norway, Finland, and Iceland, and served as Professor of Finance and Head of Discipline at James Cook University. Holding a PhD in Economics, Cooray promotes trade, tourism, and renewable energy ties with the UAE.5. Rauan Zhumabek, Ambassador of the Republic of KazakhstanAppointed on July 11, 2025, Rauan Zhumabek begins his role as Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. Assuming duties on June 19, 2025. Previously, he held diplomatic roles in Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on trade and economic cooperation. With a degree in international relations, Zhumabek promotes Kazakhstan’s energy, trade, and investment ties with the UAE, strengthening bilateral partnerships and economic diversification6. Francisco Jose Herrera Alvarado, Non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of HondurasAppointed on July 11, 2025, Francisco Jose Herrera Alvarado begins his tenure as Honduras’s Non-resident Ambassador to the UAE. Based in Kuwait, Previously, he was Ambassador to Kuwait and Rector of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (2017–2024). A medical doctor with a degree in anatomical pathology, Herrera promotes Honduras-UAE agricultural trade and investment from his base in KuwaitEach envoy brings with them not only diplomatic credentials but also the potential to broaden their nation’s cooperation with the UAE across sectors such as trade, investment, education, energy, and cultural exchange.
A Global Outlook, A Strategic Welcome
This latest round of ambassadorial credentials reflects the UAE’s steadily expanding network of international relations—one that increasingly bridges Latin America, Central Asia, South Asia, and Eastern Europe. Whether through Ecuador’s growing trade interests in the Gulf, Kazakhstan’s energy collaborations, or Sri Lanka’s close ties with the UAE’s expatriate community, each appointment signals a continuation of strategic, multidimensional partnerships.
FAQs:
Q. What is the purpose of presenting diplomatic credentials?It officially marks the start of an ambassador’s tenure and affirms mutual diplomatic recognition between the two countries.Q. Why does the UAE host such ceremonies at Qasr Al Watan?Qasr Al Watan symbolizes the UAE’s commitment to diplomacy and statecraft, serving as a prestigious venue for official state functions.Q. Which countries were represented in this latest ceremony?Ambassadors from Belarus, Ecuador, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, and Honduras presented their credentials.Q. How does this event align with UAE’s foreign policy goals?It supports the UAE’s strategic vision to deepen global partnerships, enhance trade and energy cooperation, and promote cultural and diplomatic exchange.
