The diplomatic community in Kuwait gathered on Sunday at the Embassy of Tajikistan in Surra to bid a warm and heartfelt farewell to four distinguished ambassadors concluding their diplomatic missions in the State of Kuwait. H.E. Mamady Traore, Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea; H.E. Sayed Javed Hashimi, Ambassador of Afghanistan; H.E. Mohammed Habib Idris, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana; and H.E. Francisco Jose Herrera Alvarado, Ambassador of the Republic of Honduras.
Hosted by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Kuwait, H.E. Dr. Zubaydzoda Zubaydullo, the farewell reception brought together ambassadors, diplomats, representative from Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and media in a ceremony marked by appreciation, reflection, and goodwill.
The event served as a tribute not only to the professional accomplishments of the departing envoys but also to the friendships and diplomatic bridges they helped build during their time in Kuwait.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Diplomacy
In his remarks, Ambassador Zubaydullo praised the ambassadors for their dedication and valuable contributions to enhancing relations between their respective nations and Kuwait.
Advancing Development Cooperation
Among those honored was H.E. Mamady Traore, who served as Ambassador of Guinea to Kuwait from 2018 to 2026. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in strengthening bilateral relations across diplomatic, political, economic, and development sectors.
Ambassador Traore was also active within the African diplomatic community in Kuwait. He hosted the African Ambassadors’ Bi-Monthly Meeting in 2024 and played a key role in organizing Africa Day celebrations in 2024 and 2025. In recognition of his leadership, he was appointed Vice-Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in Kuwait in 2025.
Diplomacy Amid Challenging Circumstances
H.E. Sayed Javed Hashimi, who began his diplomatic mission in Kuwait in 2019, was recognized for his perseverance and professionalism during a particularly complex chapter in Afghanistan’s history.
Throughout his tenure, Ambassador Hashimi worked to strengthen Afghan-Kuwaiti relations, overseeing efforts to prepare multiple bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding in areas including political consultations, trade, culture, security, and legal cooperation.
In his farewell remarks, Ambassador Hashimi expressed deep appreciation to Kuwait’s leadership, including His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, for their support and cooperation.
He reflected on the longstanding brotherly relations between Afghanistan and Kuwait, which date back to the 1960s, noting that despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and political developments in Afghanistan in 2021, he remained committed to promoting mutual understanding and preserving diplomatic goodwill.
“Throughout my tenure, I worked sincerely and diligently to strengthen the brotherly relations between Afghanistan and the State of Kuwait,” he said.
He also thanked fellow ambassadors and diplomatic colleagues for their friendship and support, expressing hope that the relationships forged during his mission would continue into the future.
Expanding Political and Diplomatic Engagement
H.E. Mohammed Habib Idris, Ambassador of Ghana to Kuwait from 2023 to 2026, was commended for strengthening relations across trade, education, culture, consular affairs, and political cooperation.
A major milestone during his tenure was the successful convening of the first Political Consultation Meeting between Ghana and Kuwait at Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in May 2025—an important step in formalizing bilateral engagement.
Ambassador Idris also played a prominent role in fostering African diplomatic solidarity, hosting and chairing a meeting of the African Ambassadors Group in September 2024. Colleagues praised his professionalism, cordiality, and commitment to international cooperation.
A Mission Defined by Friendship and Discovery
H.E. Francisco Jose Herrera Alvarado, Ambassador of Honduras, concluded a diplomatic mission marked by active engagement and meaningful relationship-building. In his farewell reflections, Ambassador Herrera described Kuwait as a transformative chapter in both his professional and personal life.
Arriving in Kuwait in June 2024 for what was his first diplomatic posting, the ambassador said he initially knew no one but leaves with lifelong friendships and cherished memories. He described Kuwaitis as people with “big hearts,” characterized by generosity, warmth, and openness.
The Honduran envoy highlighted efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between Honduras and Kuwait, noting that bilateral relations are approaching a promising new phase that his successor will hopefully continue to build upon.
He also spoke of the valuable cultural lessons Kuwait offered him, especially during challenging regional circumstances, which gave him deeper insight into the country’s resilience and social cohesion.
Coming from an academic background, having previously served as a university president for six years, Ambassador Herrera said many questioned his decision to accept a diplomatic assignment in the Gulf. However, he said the experience exceeded expectations.
“Kuwait was an open book that taught me so much,” he reflected, emphasizing that despite geographic and cultural differences, both Kuwaitis and Hondurans share strong family-centered values.
A Celebration of Diplomatic Friendship
The farewell ceremony concluded with the presentation of commemorative gifts to the departing ambassadors in recognition of their service, followed by a ceremonial cake-cutting and group photographs.
The event underscored Kuwait’s enduring reputation as a welcoming diplomatic hub where international cooperation and personal diplomacy thrive.
As the four ambassadors prepare for new chapters in their professional journeys, they leave behind strengthened partnerships, lasting friendships, and a legacy of constructive engagement in Kuwait’s diplomatic community.
