On 4 May 2026, Hilda C. Heine formally accepted the Letter of Credence of Donal Patrick Hanley as Ambassador-designate of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Marshall Islands during a Presentation of Credentials Ceremony held in Majuro.

The ceremony marked the official commencement of Ambassador Hanley’s diplomatic mission as Non-Resident Ambassador to the Marshall Islands. President Heine accepted the Letter of Credence from Fra’ John T. Dunlap appointing Ambassador Hanley as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

President Heine welcomed Ambassador Hanley and assured him of the full cooperation and support of the Government of the Marshall Islands, expressing confidence that relations between the two parties would continue to strengthen and grow during his tenure.

The ceremony was attended by senior ministers of the Marshall Islands Government, including representatives from Foreign Affairs and Trade, Health and Human Services, Education, Justice, Natural Resources, and the Office of the President.