letters of credence

American  

[let-erz uhv kreed-ns] / ˈlɛt ərz əv ˈkrid ns /

Also letter of credence.

noun

1. credentials issued to a diplomat or other governmental representative for presentation to the country to which they are sent.

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letters of credence British  

plural noun

1. a formal document accrediting a diplomatic officer to a foreign court or government

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Etymology

Origin of letters of credence

First recorded in 1325–75

Example Sentences

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a ceremony of receiving letters of credence from newly-appointed foreign ambassadors at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, September 20, 2022.

From Reuters • Sep. 20, 2022

His letters of credence had not arrived from Washington, but Chungking waved aside such formalities.

From Time Magazine Archive

Next day Sir John Simon, as Foreign Secretary, escorted Ambassador Mellon to Windsor Castle where he presented his letters of credence to George V, was asked to stay for luncheon.

From Time Magazine Archive

The President also received Sosislav Antoniyevitch, new Minister from the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, who presented letters of credence.

From Time Magazine Archive

He signed and issued from these several places, away from the capital, numerous commissions to civil officers of the Government, exequaturs to foreign consuls, letters of credence, two letters to sovereigns, and thirty-seven pardons.

From A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents Volume 7, part 1: Ulysses S. Grant by Richardson, James D. (James Daniel)