Lebanese Charge d’Affairs honoured with Patriarchal Medal

• The Lebanese Embassy hosted a ceremony where Archimandrite Boutros Gharib honored Ahmed Arafa, Charge d’Affairs, with the ‘Patriarchal Medal.’

Ahmed Arafa, the Charge d’Affairs of the Lebanese Embassy in Kuwait, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the leadership, government, and people of the brotherly State of Kuwait on the occasion of its national holidays and the launch of Kuwait as the Capital of Culture and Arab Media for 2025.

This occurred during a speech delivered by Arafa at a ceremony hosted by the Patriarchal Deputy of the Royal Greeks in Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf, Archimandrite Boutros Gharib, at the Lebanese Embassy.

The event honored Arafa with the “Patriarchal Medal” from Patriarch Youssef Al-Absi of Antioch and All the East of the Greek Catholic Monarch. The ceremony was attended by several ambassadors, diplomats, sheikhs, citizens, officials, and members of the Lebanese community.

“I take this opportunity to reaffirm my commitment to strengthening the well-established ties of brotherhood and enhancing bilateral cooperation at all levels, reflecting the depth of the historical relations between our two countries and peoples, and expanding them towards broader horizons,” Arafa said.

He added, “As I congratulate His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid, I pray to God Almighty to bless them with good health and to continue granting this precious homeland and its noble people further elevation, security, and prosperity.”

Arafa remarked, “It is a great honor for me, as I firmly believe that this medal, though I am privileged to receive it, represents all Lebanese and all Kuwaitis who have opened their hearts and homes to me.”

“Lebanon can rise again”

He stated, “Lebanon can rise again whenever good intentions are present, when goals are clear, and if we prioritize Lebanon’s interests, knowing that our opportunity is great today if we seize it properly. This is possible with a president of the Republic, an effective government, and understanding among all political forces. We must immediately start working to address the significant challenges and dangers that threaten us.”

In turn, Father Boutros Gharib said to Arafa: “Your great contributions to supporting the people of your country have been evident. You have always extended a helping hand to everyone in need, without distinction between different sects or groups. The medical, in-kind, and food aid you sent to Lebanon would not have been possible without your tireless efforts, and without the trust of our Kuwaiti brothers in your honorable person and your strong relationship with them, which resulted in sending a plane full of aid at the end of last year to our people suffering from the effects of the Israeli war on our beloved homeland.”

He continued, “Your prayer and deep interest in the future of Lebanon have had a significant impact on strengthening solidarity among the Lebanese expatriates in beloved Kuwait, urging them to unite and work together to achieve their aspirations and hopes.”

For his part, writer and fellow advisor Bilal Al-Sundaid, in a similar speech, thanked Father Boutros Gharib “for this generous gesture that embodies the finest meanings of loyalty and the highest degrees of giving.” He added, “This well-deserved honor is an additional luminous star in the space of high human values and the sky of authentic principles—values that the Church and the heavenly religions uphold as universal.”

Al-Sundaid also thanked the State of Kuwait, “which opened its doors to us from the very beginning of our ambitions and later embraced you as a worthy representative of our beloved country. Kuwait, whose people celebrate their national holidays, we cherish its people, who are proud of you as a representative of Lebanon and an example to all Lebanese. Glory and immortality to both Lebanon and Kuwait.”