Khaled Al-Jarallah’s legacy lives on after half a century of diplomacy

• A trusted advisor to officials and employees alike, Khaled Al-Jarallah was deeply engaged in safeguarding their rights while ensuring the swift resolution of issues faced by Kuwaiti citizens abroad. His legacy of responsible leadership and unwavering dedication to diplomacy will be remembered.

Former Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah passed away, leaving behind a distinguished diplomatic career marked by dedication and national service. Throughout his tenure, he embodied the values of loyalty, devotion, and tireless commitment to his country, wholeheartedly serving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A trusted advisor to officials and employees alike, he was deeply engaged in safeguarding their rights while ensuring the swift resolution of issues faced by Kuwaiti citizens abroad. His legacy of responsible leadership and unwavering dedication to diplomacy will be remembered, Al Anba newspaper reported.

Al-Jarallah was one of the most distinguished figures in the diplomatic school of His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad. He represented Kuwait’s interests abroad with exceptional competence and was the unseen force behind many diplomatic achievements. His refined approach to work left a lasting impact on bilateral and multilateral cooperation, as well as on humanitarian efforts. Despite the weight of his responsibilities, he remained composed, embodying the highest qualities of a noble diplomat with his political acumen, diplomatic wisdom, and sharp presence of mind.

Throughout his career, Al-Jarallah played a pivotal role in addressing Kuwait’s challenges and contributed to resolving numerous international issues. He witnessed major turning points in Kuwait’s history, from the Iraq-Iran war to the brutal Iraqi invasion. He actively participated in the efforts leading to Kuwait’s liberation and remained dedicated to strengthening the nation’s global standing.

He also played a key role in the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and was deeply involved in resolving various Arab crises, always prioritizing Kuwait’s best interests. Known for his strong relationship with both local and international media, he was highly responsive and precise in his interactions, recognizing the critical role of the press. His keen interest in global events kept him engaged and informed, often working late into the night.

Nicknamed “Abu Hazem,” Al-Jarallah dedicated over 50 years to diplomacy. He began his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1971 as a diplomatic attaché and later served at the Kuwaiti Embassy in Beirut from 1972 to 1974. He returned to Kuwait to work at the Foreign Ministry’s General Diwan before taking on leadership roles, including Head of the Arab Affairs Department (1974–1987) and Director of the GCC Affairs Department (1987).

His contributions extended beyond diplomacy. He was a member of the Board of Directors at the Kuwait News Agency, the Supreme Media Advisory Council, and the Foreign Cooperation Fund at the General Secretariat of Endowments. He also served on the Media Advisory Team at the Ministry of Information and the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development.

Al-Jarallah actively participated in all Arab summits and ministerial meetings since assuming leadership in Arab affairs. He was a key figure in Gulf summits and ministerial councils and played a significant role in negotiations with the European side while overseeing GCC affairs. His legacy of dedicated service, wisdom, and diplomacy will be remembered for generations.

Al-Jarallah participated in numerous seminars and delivered lectures at Kuwait University as part of the ongoing collaboration between the university and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He also took part in meetings with senior officials to draft the final version of the Damascus Declaration and later contributed to follow-up discussions on its implementation. Throughout his career, he joined various official visits, and in July 1999, he was appointed Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, later serving as Deputy Minister until January 2021.

Ambassadors mourn Al-Jarallah: A wise diplomat of deep knowledge and integrity

Several current and former diplomats accredited to Kuwait expressed their deep sorrow over the passing of former Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah, remembering his lifetime of service to his country and his contributions to strengthening diplomatic relations.

An experienced diplomat

Omani Ambassador H. E. Dr. Saleh Al-Kharousi praised Al-Jarallah’s qualities, describing him as an experienced diplomat who combined deep knowledge with admirable character, significantly contributing to bilateral relations and Gulf cooperation.

Similarly, His Excellency Dr. Zubaydullo Zubaydzoda, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan to Kuwait, described him as a “prominent diplomatic figure” who played a key role in strengthening Kuwait’s regional and international standing, helping shape and implement its foreign policy.

Former Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait, H. E. AbdulazizAl-Fayez, expressed pride in working alongside Al-Jarallah, calling him a brilliant diplomat and a trusted reference for many ambassadors, known for his wisdom and balanced approach.

Former Senegalese Ambassador H. E. Abdoul AhadMbacke echoed these sentiments, referring to Al-Jarallahas “a school of diplomatic work” and a mentor to many, who remained engaged with diplomats even after retirement.

A lasting legacy

Bulgarian Ambassador H. E. Dimitar Dimitrov mourned Al-Jarallah’s passing, noting his “clear imprint” on Kuwaiti-Bulgarian relations and describing him as a dedicated diplomat who spent his life in service to Kuwait.

Similarly, the Patriarchal Vicar of the Greek Melkites in Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf, Archimandrite Boutros Gharib, expressed sorrow over the loss of a distinguished figure committed to fostering dialogue and international cooperation, affirming that his legacy will endure for future generations.

An irreplaceable loss

Bahrain’s Ambassador to Kuwait, H. E. Salah Al-Malki, extended his condolences to Kuwait’s leadership, government, diplomatic corps, and Al-Jarallah’s family, emphasizing that he leaves behind a legacy of dedication and excellence in diplomacy.

“He was a model of a wise and professional diplomat, one of the most outstanding graduates of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad’s school of diplomacy. His calm demeanor, balanced approach, and sound decision-making left a lasting impact on Kuwaiti and Gulf diplomacy,” Al-Malkisaid.

Reflecting on his interactions with Al-Jarallah, he added, “I had many meetings with him and gained invaluable insights from his wisdom and high morals. I had hoped his career would be documented in a book for future generations, but with his passing, we have lost an irreplaceable legacy.”

For his part, Albanian Ambassador H. E. Ilir Hosa said, “Kuwait and the international diplomatic community have lost a man who dedicated his life to serving his country with wisdom and insight. He was a cornerstone in building foreign relations and played a vital role in promoting peace and stability in the region.” He concluded, “I offer my deepest condolences to his family, the government, and the people of Kuwait, praying for God’s mercy upon him. His achievements will remain a beacon for future generations.”

Similarly, Iraqi Ambassador H. E. Al-Manhal Al-Safi stated, “Arab and Kuwaiti diplomacy have lost a wise and noble statesman, a towering figure in the diplomatic field.”

He added, “I had many meetings with the late Abu Hazemat international forums, in Baghdad, and in Kuwait, and I learned a great deal from him—especially from his calm demeanor and flexibility. I pray to God to have mercy on him, grant him a place in paradise, and give patience and solace to his family and loved ones.”

All the speakers concluded their remarks by praying for mercy and forgiveness for the late diplomat, recalling his remarkable contributions that will remain a significant part of Kuwaiti diplomatic history.

For its part, the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Kuwait mourned with deep sorrow the passing of former Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Khaled Al-Jarallah, who passed away during these blessed nights after a lifetime of dedicated service to his country and the Arab nation.

In a press statement, the Egyptian Embassy noted, “The deceased was a pillar of Kuwaiti diplomacy and played a key role in shaping the Kuwaiti diplomatic school, which was characterized by balance and wisdom. He made significant contributions to elevating Kuwaiti foreign policy at both regional and international levels.”

The statement added, “He was a model of a wise and devoted diplomat, strengthening bilateral relations between Egypt and Kuwait and fostering dialogue and understanding in international forums.”

The embassy concluded, “As we extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the late ambassador’s family and the brotherly people of Kuwait, we pray to God Almighty to grant him mercy, a place in paradise, and to give his family patience and solace. To God we belong, and to Him we shall return.”

Palestinian Ambassador His Excellency Rami Tahboubalso reflected on his close relationship with the deceased, emphasizing that Al-Jarallah was a steadfast advocate for the Palestinian cause in international forums. In recognition of his efforts in supporting Palestine, he was honored by the Palestinian president.