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

During the virtual engagement, the new Estonian ambassador Viljar Lubi and Spanish counterpart José Pascual Marco Martínez were greeted by the Queen and presented their Letters of Credence to her.

From BBC

Latvian ambassador Ivita Burmistre presented the letters of recall for her predecessor and her own letters of credence at the audience, as did Sara Affoue Amani, ambassador from Ivory Coast.

From BBC

My letters of credence to their High Mightinesses have been taken ad referendum by the several Provinces, and are now under consideration of the several branches of the sovereignty of this country; but no one city or body of nobles has as yet determined upon them.

From Project Gutenberg

Diplomatic representatives sent abroad bear letters of credence signed by the President, and from time to time they are given instructions as to the action they shall take in negotiations with foreign governments.

From Project Gutenberg