Djibouti’s ambassador honored in touching tribute ahead of Foreign Minister role

In an atmosphere filled with warmth, appreciation, and mutual respect, the diplomatic corps in Kuwait bid farewell to the Ambassador of Djibouti, HE Abdulqader Hussein Omar, during a recent ceremony at the Regency Hotel. The event marked the conclusion of his diplomatic mission in Kuwait and celebrated his recent appointment as Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Delivering a heartfelt speech in Arabic, English, and French, Ambassador Abdulqader expressed deep gratitude to his fellow diplomats, extending special thanks to the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Tajikistan’s Ambassador HE Zubidullah Zubidov, for organizing the tribute.

“It has been an honor,” he said, “to represent my country in the State of Kuwait over the past four years. The experience has been rich and the relationships meaningful. From the very first day, I was met with tremendous warmth.” He described Kuwait as a “dynamic nation” and said he leaves with “the fondest memories.”

Ambassador Abdulqader also praised the support he received from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly from Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al-Yahya, Deputy Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al-Jaber, and the Assistant Ministers for Protocol and Arab Affairs.

He extended heartfelt thanks to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled for their enduring support during his tenure.

Reflecting on his new role, Abdulqader called his appointment as Foreign Minister “a great responsibility and an immense trust bestowed upon me by President Ismail Omar Guelleh.” He added, “I did not expect this duty, but when your homeland calls, you must answer. I ask for your prayers, for the task is momentous. I will do my utmost to live up to the expectations of my country and colleagues, and I hope to return to Kuwait whenever possible.”

In a press statement following the event, the ambassador emphasized that the evening was not a farewell but “a message of love and loyalty” after four years of camaraderie and collaboration. He commended Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for facilitating his mission and lauded the “deep-rooted, brotherly” ties between Djibouti and Kuwait.

He noted that Djibouti has not yet appointed a new ambassador to Kuwait but will select “a distinguished figure capable of further strengthening bilateral relations.” He underlined the importance of continued coordination in international forums and maintaining neutrality and non-interference in domestic affairs.

“Djibouti is a key regional player with cultural and security dimensions, and it remains committed to its role in promoting peace and stability,” he affirmed. “Our president is a man of peace, and we will continue to implement his directives by reinforcing neutrality and building bridges.”

Speaking on behalf of Ambassador Zubidov, the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, Comoros Ambassador Dr. Aref Said Hassan, addressed the gathering, saying: “We bid farewell to a dear brother and distinguished diplomat who has left a lasting professional and human imprint in Kuwait and represented his country with honor.”

He added, “We have known you as a wise, humble man—an example of professionalism and dedication. You built bridges of cooperation with your fellow diplomats and played a leading role in enhancing Djibouti–Kuwait relations while actively participating in political, cultural, and sporting events.”

Ambassador Aref concluded by stating that Abdulqader’s appointment as Foreign Minister is “a crowning achievement of a remarkable career,” wishing him success in his new role and affirming that the relationships built in Kuwait “will endure across distances.”