‘Kuwait will always be my second home’, says outgoing Turkish envoy
As she departs, Ambassador Sönmez leaves behind more than a diplomatic record — she leaves behind a story of friendship, humanitarian cooperation and the enduring power of people-to-people relations.
The Times Kuwait Report
- Four years of diplomacy, friendship and shared memories have come to a heartfelt close, a country which will always hold a special place in my heart. I will never forget Kuwait, and I will never forget the people I met here. You have all become part of my family, and you will always remain in my heart — Turkish Ambassador Tuba Nur Sönmez
- You will always remain a sister and a friend. You have a second home in Indonesia, with friends and a special place in our hearts – Indonesian Ambassador H.E. Lena Maryana
In diplomacy, success is often measured through agreements signed and meetings held. But for Türkiye’s Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Tuba Nur Sönmez, the true legacy of her four-year mission is measured in friendships built, lives touched and memories that will last long after she leaves.
At a farewell reception hosted by the Embassy of Indonesia in Kuwait, diplomats and officials gathered not only to mark the end of an ambassadorial assignment, but to celebrate a personal bond that had grown between colleagues and friends.
Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Lena Maryana described the occasion as a celebration of friendship and the positive impact Ambassador Sönmez had made during her tenure.
She praised the Turkish envoy for representing her country with professionalism, sincerity and dignity, saying her diplomatic achievements were matched by her warmth, honesty and ability to connect with people from different backgrounds.
“Ambassador Tuba was not only a successful diplomat, but also a dear friend to many,” Ambassador Mariana said, highlighting her approachable personality and her role in strengthening ties within Kuwait’s diplomatic community.
In an emotional tribute, the Indonesian ambassador told her departing colleague that she would always have a home in Indonesia, saying: “You will always remain a sister and a friend. You have a second home in Indonesia, with friends and a special place in our hearts.”
Reflecting on her time in Kuwait, Ambassador Sönmez said her four years in the country represented one of the most meaningful chapters of both her professional and personal life.
The Kuwait posting was her first assignment as an ambassador after years of service at the Turkish Presidency and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She explained that her previous roles often involved short visits, meetings and official programs, but Kuwait gave her the rare opportunity to build deeper human relationships.
“I will leave Kuwait carrying unforgettable memories and friendships that will remain with me forever,” she said.
The ambassador recalled her first visit to Kuwait in 2015 as part of the official delegation accompanying the Turkish president, when she was responsible for organizing the program of the First Lady.
At that time, she never imagined she would later return to spend four years experiencing what she described as an exceptional period of her life.
Among the experiences she highlighted was Kuwait’s humanitarian response following the devastating earthquake that struck Türkiye.
Ambassador Sönmez praised the solidarity shown by the Kuwaiti government, people and humanitarian organizations, recalling how assistance campaigns were organized and relief supplies delivered to affected areas, including through cooperation with Kuwaiti officials and military aircraft.
She said humanitarian cooperation extended beyond earthquake relief, with Kuwait contributing to projects supporting affected communities and refugees in Türkiye and Syria in partnership with international organizations and the United Nations.
“These efforts remain among the moments I am most proud to have witnessed,” she said.
For Ambassador Sönmez, diplomacy is not limited to political discussions and official meetings. It is also about serving communities, protecting shared values and creating connections between people.
She highlighted her participation in environmental initiatives in Kuwait, including tree-planting campaigns, expressing hope that future generations would benefit from such efforts.
She also praised Kuwait’s resilience during a period marked by regional challenges, saying the country’s ability to maintain stability and continue normal life reflected the strength of its society.
“Kuwait represents a unique model of diplomatic cooperation,” she said, describing the country’s diplomatic community as one of the finest she had experienced throughout her career.
Ambassador Sönmez will return to Ankara to continue her work at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs before taking up a new diplomatic assignment.
She pledged to continue supporting Kuwait-Türkiye relations from her future position and maintain the friendships she developed during her time in the country.
Her final message was one of gratitude and affection:
“I will never forget Kuwait, and I will never forget the people I met here. You have all become part of my family, and you will always remain in my heart.”
As she departs, Ambassador Sönmez leaves behind more than a diplomatic record — she leaves behind a story of friendship, humanitarian cooperation and the enduring power of people-to-people relations.
