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letter of credence
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letter of credence

diplomacy
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A letter of credence is a formal document that attests to the authority of a diplomatic agent to act on behalf of their issuing government. This document, also referred to as letters of credence, is crucial in the appointment of a new head of mission in diplomacy.123

When a new ambassador is appointed, they are sent with a letter of credence from their head of state to the host state's head of state. This letter serves to introduce the ambassador as the representative of the issuing government. The formal presentation of these credentials to the chief of state is a significant ceremony that determines the ambassador's order of precedence within the local diplomatic corps.2

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. letter of credence
  2. diplomacy - Credentials
  3. letters credential

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