New diplomatic faces in Lebanon… diverse international expertise converges at Baabda Palace, meet them

President Joseph Aoun received the credentials of four new ambassadors accredited to Lebanon, representing Spain, Ireland, Sri Lanka and Tanzania, all of whom bring with them broad professional experience in diplomatic, administrative, military and financial fields.

Sri Lanka’s new ambassador, M. Gamini Anura Yattowita Withanage, has extensive experience in financial management and strategic planning, having worked at major international institutions in Canada and Sri Lanka, including HSBC Bank and Symcor, in addition to holding several government and administrative posts. He also holds advanced academic degrees from British and Sri Lankan universities, as well as professional certifications in accounting and financial management.

As for Spanish Ambassador Miguel Maria De Lucas Gonzalez, he is a veteran diplomat who joined the diplomatic corps in 1993 and has held several posts in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, most recently serving as Spain’s ambassador to Amman. He has also received several official Spanish decorations in recognition of his diplomatic career.

Representing Tanzania in Lebanon is Rear Admiral Richard Mutayoba Makanzo, one of his country’s senior naval officers, who previously headed the Tanzanian navy before moving into diplomacy as his country’s ambassador to Rwanda and then Egypt.

For his part, Irish Ambassador Aidan O'Hara has an extensive diplomatic record, having served in diplomatic assignments in Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti. He has also held senior positions at Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and within the European Union, including heading the EU Division and Political Planning in Dublin.