Monday 21 June 2021

I presented credentials to President Ghani… It is an ancient ritual, but still central to what an ambassador is and does…The letter of credence is handed over in person to the Head of State. Diplomacy depends on personal contact, as much personal trust as you can build with the people you are dealing with, and good judgment – both to read the intentions of your host government, and to get across those of your own government in the most convincing way. Having such a channel is no less necessary between governments that dislike and distrust each other than between friends and allies.