How they become Excellencies

Foreign ambassadors are traditionally addressed as "Your Excellency". It sounds regal, even old-fashioned, but there is a reason for it.
An ambassador is not merely a diplomat sent abroad; they are the highest official representative of their country, speaking on its behalf and conveying the position of its leadership.
Appointment alone is not enough. One can pack their bags, receive diplomatic license plates, fly to Astana, and even realize that diplomatic immunity offers no protection against minus 30-degree frosts. However, a diplomat officially becomes an ambassador only after presenting their credentials to the President.
On Friday, the ambassadors of Egypt, Switzerland, Estonia, Oman, Hungary, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, and Denmark arrived at the Palace of Independence one by one. A Tengrinews.kz correspondent observed a diplomatic ritual that dates back at least 500 years.
Diplomatic Attire
Before the ceremony began, the eight new ambassadors were gathered in a separate room. They sat in armchairs, drinking water and conversing quietly among themselves.
Then the door opened, camera crews entered, and the ambassadors stood up.
Photo: ©️ Tengrinews.kz / Aisultan Kulshmanov
A pause ensued. Everyone’s hands were folded—some crossed over their chests, others clasped in front of them.
Photo: ©️ Tengrinews.kz / Aisultan Kulshmanov
Eight people who, in half an hour, would be addressed as "Your Excellency," stood and waited.
Microphones were extended toward a woman in white. This was Marje Luup, the Ambassador of Estonia.
Estonian Ambassador Marje Luup. Photo: ©️ Tengrinews.kz / Aisultan Kulshmanov
"Please, tell us about your beautiful dress," I asked.
"This is an Estonian national costume. Each region of Estonia has its own, so there are several hundred of them. We always wear them with pride for very important occasions, like today. The best way to see the full diversity of our traditional clothing is at the Song and Dance Festival. It’s a massive event: a choir of thirty thousand people and ten thousand dancers. It takes place once every five years. The next one will be in 2028."
Luup wore a costume representing the Raplamaa region, which is near Tallinn.
When discussing cooperation with Kazakhstan, she spoke the language of diplomacy.
"I see great potential in our economic relations. Several Estonian companies are interested in collaborating with Kazakhstani partners. We can also find opportunities in the field of e-government. Estonia is currently the most digital country in the world, , so we will certainly find common initiatives and areas for cooperation here. Education is also, undoubtedly, one of the key fields for partnership."
It turned out that the two countries already share a common language, and it begins with the letter "e": e-Estonia, eGov, eOtinish.
Ambassador Salah Al Jabri of Oman didn't need to find a common language with Egyptian Ambassador Sameh Shehata. They already had one: Arabic.
Of the eight diplomats, three arrived in national dress: Marje Luup, Salah Al Jabri, and Nigerian Ambassador Joseph Olusola Iji.
The Ambassador of Oman (left), the Ambassador of Egypt (middle), and the Ambassador of Nigeria (right). Photo: ©️ Tengrinews.kz / Aisultan Kulshmanov
Ambassador Sameh Shehata was asked what Egyptians know about Kazakhstan.
Sameh Shehata, Ambassador of Egypt. Photo: ©️ Tengrinews.kz / Aisultan Kulshmanov
"Our relations go back hundreds of years to the time of Al-Zahir Baibars, who ruled Egypt in the thirteenth century during the Mamluk era. We have the Baibars Mosque, as well as fortresses and forts from that period, including the Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria. We have been aware of our ties with Kazakhstan for over 800 years," he said.
At a nearby table, a European quartet had gathered.
Left to right: Danish Ambassador Lars Thuesen, Swiss Ambassador Christine Honegger-Zolotukhin, Hungarian Ambassador Ferenc Szombos, and Estonian Ambassador Marje Luup. Photo: ©️ Tengrinews.kz / Aisultan Kulshmanov
Diplomatic Rites
Next, the proceedings turned far more formal. The ambassadors lined up as an officer of the guard of honor gave his report. A "Qosh keldinizder" (Welcome) rang out, followed by the National Anthem of Kazakhstan.
Each diplomat held a folder containing their letters of credence.
Photo by the Akorda press service
Following the anthem, each ambassador approached the flag of Kazakhstan in turn and performed a slight bow.
Egyptian Ambassador Sameh Shehata before the flag of Kazakhstan. Photo: ©️ Tengrinews.kz / Aisultan Kulshmanov
Each performed the gesture in their own way. Swiss Ambassador Christine Honegger-Zolotukhin placed her right hand over her heart.
Swiss Ambassador Christine Honegger-Zolotukhin before the flag of Kazakhstan. Screenshot from Akorda broadcast
The ceremony was surprisingly intimate. The only loud moments were the officer's report and the anthem. Otherwise, there was silence—only the sound of footsteps on the blue carpet could be heard.
Estonian Ambassador Marje Luup stands before the flag of Kazakhstan. Photo: ©️ Tengrinews.kz / Aisultan Kulshmanov
The final part of the ceremony—the presentation of credentials—awaited everyone in the adjacent room.
The Diplomatic Lineup
The diplomats took their places in a new line. They straightened their suits, double-checked their positions, and held their folders ready. Each country had its own: dark blue with gold embossing, bright red, or a simple light-colored envelope.
Photo: ©️ Tengrinews.kz / Aisultan Kulshmanov
As the President of Kazakhstan entered the hall, the ceremony proceeded straight to the main event. The ambassadors stepped forward one by one, bowed, spoke a few words, and presented their folders with both hands. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev accepted them with both hands as well.
Photo: ©️ Tengrinews.kz / Aisultan Kulshmanov
All eight speeches centered on the great honor of the occasion. Some recalled previous presidential meetings, while others spoke a few phrases in Kazakh. The ambassadors of Oman and Hungary delivered their remarks in Russian.
Ambassador of Hungary Ferenc Szombos with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Photo by the Akorda press service

"Dear ambassadors, Your Excellencies," the President began.

Photo by the Akorda press service
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke about Kazakhstan's foreign policy.
"Today is indeed an important day—both for you, as representatives of your respective countries, and for the Republic of Kazakhstan. I am convinced that we must work together, as Kazakhstan is a peace-loving state. We pursue a balanced and constructive foreign policy. We strive to create favorable conditions for reforms within the country. I would like to assure you that the doors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, government agencies, and the President's residence will always be open, as we must stand together in this highly unsettled and turbulent world."
The President then addressed each ambassador individually, offering a few words about their country, bilateral cooperation, and potential future joint initiatives.
Photo by the Akorda press service
It all boiled down to a simple message: you are welcome here, and there is plenty of work ahead.
For the eight diplomats, the ceremony had already achieved its primary goal. From that moment on, they were "Excellencies".