The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to France Manisha Gunasekera presented her Letters of Credence to the Co-Prince of the Principality of Andorra Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace on Tuesday 17 September 2024.
Following the presentation of Credentials, Ambassador Gunasekera had a brief meeting with the Co-Prince during which she conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of the President of Sri Lanka. She also apprised the Co-Prince of the vibrant nature of bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Andorra, and the cooperation in multilateral fora. The Co-Prince Macron extended his warm greetings to the President, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, and stated that he looks forward to further strengthening the existing cooperation between Sri Lanka and France across sectors.
Addressing the Ambassadors presenting Credentials, the Co-Prince recalled the special role of the President of the French Republic as “the guardian of a tradition and a long history” that united over centuries, the Principality of Andorra lying in the heart of the Pyrenees, with France. The Co-Prince appreciated the cooperation and friendly ties that the countries present including Sri Lanka have maintained with Andorra, forging political, economic, commercial and cultural ties with the Principality. He also referred to Andorra’s strengthening partnership with the European Union. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Andorra H.E. Imma Tor Faus was also present at the Credentials Ceremony.
Previously on 15 March 2024, as part of the Credentials process, Ambassador Gunasekera presented her Letters of Credence to the Co-Prince of the Principality of Andorra, the Bishop of Urgell Joan-Enric Vives i Sicília, at the Episcopal Palace in La Seu d’Urgell. During her visit to Andorra, the Ambassador had a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Andorra H.E. Imma Tor Faus and engaged with discussions focusing on bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Andorra and on areas of shared interest. During the visit, the Ambassador also attended the reception hosted by the President of the Parliament of Andorra H.E. Vicenç Mateu Zamora to celebrate the 31st Anniversary of the Constitution Day of Andorra on 14 March 2024. At the Reception, the Ambassador exchanged greetings with the Prime Minister of Andorra Xavier Espot Zamora.
The Principality of Andorra has a unique dyarchical arrangement where the Bishop of Urgell and the President of France serve as Andorra's co-princes, following tradition. Ambassador Gunasekera is currently Sri Lanka’s resident Ambassador to France with concurrent accreditation to the Principality of Andorra.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Paris
30 September 2024
