Letters of Credence Ceremony

September 15, 2025

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, welcomed four new heads of mission to Canada during a ceremony at Rideau Hall.

The following new heads of mission presented their credentials to the Governor General:

His Excellency German Serrano Garcia
Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica

His Excellency Muhsin Syihab
Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia

His Excellency Djibril Niang 
Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

His Excellency Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga
Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines

I invite you to use your time here to promote co-operation, equality and peace.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada

Upon their arrival in Canada, new heads of mission must present their letters of credence to the governor general before they can carry out their duties. Letters of credence are the official documents that accredit a diplomat as an ambassador of or high commissioner for another country.