Presentation of letters of credence to the President of the European Council António Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen

The Council says that on 22 October 2026, António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen received the letters of credence from the Ambassadors of Niger, India, Korea, Guinea, Canada, Mauritius, Albania, Mexico, South Africa, Honduras, Suriname, Ecuador, Chile, Viet Nam, United Kingdom, Kenya, Chad, Ukraine and New Zealand.[2]According to The Brussels Times, those presenting credentials included Adamou Moumouni of Niger, Pranay Verma of India, Lee Byeongdo of the Republic of Korea, and Aïcha Nanette Conté of Guinea.[3] The outlet adds that Jonathan Wilkinson of Canada[3] and Esteban Moctezuma Barragán of Mexico[3] were also recognised.The Brussels Times also reports that Dame Caroline Wilson of the United Kingdom[3] presented her credentials.The Council describes the ceremony as "a diplomatic tradition, symbolising the start of formal relations between a diplomatic envoy and the leadership"[2] of the host. It says the event shows "the EU's commitment to fostering cooperation with countries around the world."[2] It adds that two identical originals of the letters are drawn up: one addressed to the President of the European Council, the other to the President of the European Commission.[2]According to the Council, on the same day Costa and von der Leyen held talks with President of Viet Nam Tô Lâm in Brussels on bilateral cooperation, regional security and global challenges.[1]