US President Barack Obama and NZ Ambassador Mike Moore

Newly appointed New Zealand Ambassador to the United States Rt Hon Mike Moore presented his credentials recently to United States President Barack Obama.

The presentation of credentials is a traditional ceremony that marks the formal beginning of an Ambassador’s service in Washington.

The ceremony took place in the Oval Office, the official office of the US President in the White House.

At the event, President Obama received the credentials from eleven dignitaries now posted in Washington.

Ambassador Moore presented his credentials along with European Union Ambassador Joao P. Castanheira Do Vale de Almeida, and Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool from South Africa.

In the few minutes that Ambassador Moore got the opportunity to speak with the President as photos were taken, and letters were exchanged, President Obama expressed his condolences for New Zealand’s recent loss of life in Afghanistan, and asked after Ambassador Moore’s mission in D.C.

Ambassador Moore told the President that he had been instructed to “make himself useful” – something which he would try hard to do.