By Rabih Kallas
Special to The Times Kuwait
Peruvian Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Carlos Jiménez has described his two-and-a-half-year diplomatic assignment in the country as a memorable chapter in his professional and personal life, saying his experience had given him lasting lessons in friendship, openness and resilience.
In a farewell message, Ambassador Jiménez said Kuwait had become much more than a second home, describing the country as a friend he had chosen and would always cherish.
He said the most valuable aspect of his stay had been the relationships he built with people and the lessons he learned from Kuwaiti society, particularly its openness, hospitality and ability to deal with challenging circumstances. Ambassador Jiménez noted that diplomatic assignments offered opportunities to experience different societies and cultures, but some countries left a deeper impression than others.
Kuwait, he said, would remain one of those experiences, particularly because of the regional circumstances and challenges he witnessed during his tenure, which taught him the importance of adapting to changing situations. Asked what he would miss most after leaving Kuwait, the ambassador highlighted the friendships he had developed and the country’s atmosphere of openness, freedom of expression and exchange of ideas.
He said Kuwait provided an important space for dialogue and discussion on a wide range of subjects, an environment that had enriched his personal experience. On the professional front, the Peruvian envoy described his posting in Kuwait as an important learning experience, offering exposure to different situations in bilateral diplomacy and multilateral forums. He stressed that diplomacy was not simply about establishing personal relationships but about strengthening ties between countries and building bridges of cooperation and understanding between peoples. He also underlined the importance of recognizing genuine friendship and maintaining mutual respect in professional relationships.
Reflecting on his tenure, Ambassador Jiménez said diplomats often arrive at their assignments with several ambitions and objectives, but experience teaches them to concentrate on priorities that can deliver tangible results for bilateral relations.
Offering advice to his successor, who will take over after his departure early next month, he urged the incoming envoy to embrace Kuwaiti society, get to know its people and make the most of the country’s warmth and hospitality.
Ambassador Jiménez will return to Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he has several more years of diplomatic service ahead. He expressed hope that he would continue contributing to the development of relations between Peru and Kuwait, building on the progress achieved during his assignment.
He added, he will carry home memories of a country that had given him more than diplomatic experience — lasting friendships and lessons that would remain with him long after his departure.
