Grand farewell reception commends outgoing envoys for strengthening relations with Kuwait

The Times Kuwait Report

In a gesture reflecting Kuwait’s deep appreciation for the diplomatic service and international friendship, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan, H.E. Zubaydullo Zubaydov, organized a formal farewell ceremony to honor six ambassadors who have completed their tenure in the country.

The event, which was attended by a large gathering of diplomats and officials, including Haif Al-Huwaila, representative of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was held on the evening of 9 July at the St. Regis Hotel.

The function served as a tribute to the efforts exerted by the outgoing ambassadors to strengthen bilateral ties and foster global cooperation, and underlined Kuwait’s commitment to maintaining strong and respectful relations with its international partners.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Zubaydov, extended his deep gratitude and appreciation to the departing ambassadors for their significant contributions during their service. He commended their accomplishments, including the signing of key agreements and the launch of initiatives that enhanced bilateral relations that strengthened the bonds of friendship and understanding.

Ambassador Zubaydov highlighted the unique spirit of cooperation that distinguishes the diplomatic community in Kuwait, noting that each farewell occasion serves as a celebration of achievement and dedication. He closed his remarks by saying, “We wish you a bright future filled with success. Kuwait will always remain a second home for you.”

Among those honored was British Ambassador H.E. Belinda Lewis, whom the Dean praised for her influential four-year tenure. He recognized her active role in strategic dialogues and organizing high-level visits, notably the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh and the celebration of 125 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Kuwait.

He also acknowledged her efforts in strengthening defense, humanitarian, and trade cooperation, while pointing out that bilateral trade surpassed £6 billion annually. He also highlighted Ambassador Lewis’ support for educational and cultural projects, including the notable visit by the ‘Red Arrows’ flying acrobatic team to Kuwait.

The Dean then paid tribute to Ambassador of Bhutan H.E. Chitem Tenzin, whose four-year mission was marked by the historic signing of an air transport agreement, three visits by the King of Bhutan to Kuwait, and a significant increase in the Bhutanese community, which now exceeds 10,000 people.

Ambassador Zubaydov praised the strengthened collaboration between the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and Bhutan’s sustainable energy initiatives, as well as the visit of a Bhutanese tourism delegation aimed at expanding tourism and cultural exchanges.

Next, the Dean commended Ambassador of Egypt H.E. Osama Shaltout for his impactful tenure, which saw five presidential visits and the signing of more than ten cooperation agreements in key sectors including housing, aviation, and education.

During his tenure, the Tajik envoy reminded, Kuwaiti investments in Egypt rose to over $20 billion. Ambassador Shaltout was also recognized for supporting the Egyptian community through the implementation of a digital employment system, his role in cultural events such as the ‘Together for Kuwait’ festival, and his active support for humanitarian efforts, especially related to Gaza.

Canadian Ambassador H.E. Alia Mawani received distinguished recognition for her strong advocacy of human values and social justice, along with her efforts to advance education and gender equality. She led a major celebration of 60 years of Canadian – Kuwaiti relations, which included both artistic and athletic events.

She also initiated the; Young Ambassador’ program in collaboration with the United Nations and the British Embassy, supported refugee causes, and nurtured connections with Canadian university alumni in Kuwait.

Ambassador Zubaydov went on to highlight the accomplishments of US Ambassador H.E. Karen Sasahara, who played a vital role in advancing technological collaboration between the United States and Kuwait. Her tenure saw the entry of major companies such as Google Cloud and Johnson & Johnson into the Kuwaiti market, alongside strategic partnerships with Microsoft.

She organized a wide range of cultural events, including music performances and art exhibitions, engaged with Kuwait’s diverse communities, and led the post-Covid US–Kuwait Strategic Dialogue.

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Zubaydov praised H.E. Nora Elise Beck, Head of NATO’s Office at the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Regional Center. Under her leadership, the center experienced its most active phase, organizing 74 official events focused on security, energy, and women’s empowerment.

She also coordinated over 30 training sessions, worked to include youth and emerging stakeholders, and played a key role in reestablishing the center’s ties with Kuwait’s diplomatic community following the COVID-19 pandemic.

To honor their service, commemorative shields were presented to the six ambassadors on behalf of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, as a token of appreciation for their dedication to strengthening bilateral relations and international cooperation.

The ceremony concluded with a farewell cake-cutting and a group photo capturing the presence of diplomats and those who attended the event, symbolizing the enduring spirit of international fellowship that flourishes on Kuwaiti soil.