by Miceál O’Hurley
DUBLIN – His Excellency Mr. Mehmet Hakan Olcay was received by President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin where he presented his Letters of Credence. His Excellency was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Mehves Olcay when meeting President Higgins.
Ambassador Hakan Olcay has been resident in Ireland, however, his reception by President Higgins and presentation of his credentials were delayed by Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. The President is once again receiving diplomats in person.
His Excellency Mr. Hakan Olcay was accompanied to and from Áras an Uachtaráin by an Escort of Honour consisting of a motorcycle detachment drawn from the 2 Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin, under the command of Lieutenant Maurice Harnett. A Guard of Honour was provided at Áras an Uachtaráin by 2nd Brigade Artillery Regiment, Collins Barracks, Cork, under the command of Lieutenant Colum Byrne. Captain John Carpenter conducted the Army No. 1 Band, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin.
Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, His Excellency is a graduate of the University of California, College of Letters and Science (Economics), B.A., and the University of Amsterdam, School of Economics, M.A.. His Excellency Mr. Hakan Olcay speaks Turkish, English and Spanish.
Ambassador Hakan Olcay is an senior diplomat whose postings have included The Hague; Havana, Cuba; Belgrade, Serbia; Skopje, Republic of Macedonia; the Republic of Cyprus; Dusseldorf, Germany; Brussels, Belgium; and, in Ankara where he served in senior positions of trust and confidence in both the military and diplomatic corps.
He is married to Mrs. Mehves Olcay who has accompanied him for residence in Ireland. They have one child.
