Tajikistan ambassador commends outgoing diplomats for boosting Kuwaiti relations

• H. E. Dr. Zubaydullo Zubaydov, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan to the country, held a farewell ceremony for eight ambassadors representing Europe, Asia, and Africa, highlighting the significant presence of heads and members of accredited diplomatic missions in Kuwait.

• His Highness the Amir possesses insightful vision and great wisdom, earning profound respect from global leaders for Kuwait’s humanitarian aid efforts, balanced policies, and support for all just causes, said Tajikistan ambassador.

His Excellency Dr. Zubaydullo Zubaydov, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan to the country, addressed outgoing ambassadors in Kuwait, highlighting their contributions to enhancing bilateral relations during their tenure.

This statement was made during a press release at a farewell ceremony hosted by the Deanship of the Diplomatic Corps to mark the end of the ambassadors’ terms of office for Spain, Poland, France, Argentina, Austria, Somalia, Lesotho, and Pakistan. The event took place on Thursday evening at the St. Regis Hotel, with a representative from the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in attendance.

Ambassador Zubaydov noted that it was the first time the Deanship of the Diplomatic Corps held a farewell ceremony for eight ambassadors representing Europe, Asia, and Africa, highlighting the significant presence of heads and members of accredited diplomatic missions in Kuwait.

He emphasized the cultural and economic initiatives led by the outgoing ambassadors during their tenure, which contributed to enhancing cooperation between their respective countries and Kuwait, as well as strengthening political and defense relations between Kuwait and the mentioned countries.

The ambassador considered these moments to be among the most challenging that a diplomat experiences: leaving a hospitable country that extends significant facilities to the countries where he is accredited.

He said that Kuwait is an exceptional country in its relationships with nations worldwide, enjoying good and balanced relations. There is special attention and care for the diplomatic community accredited to Kuwait by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, Deputy Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al-Jaber, and all ministry officials.

He added, “We feel like one family here. There is understanding, respect, and cooperation among the ambassadors accredited to the country, thanks to the welcoming atmosphere Kuwait provides for its guests.”

He highlighted that His Highness the Amir possesses insightful vision and great wisdom, earning profound respect from global leaders for Kuwait’s humanitarian aid efforts, balanced policies, and support for all just causes.

He also praised the wisdom of His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, whom he described as a capable and humble diplomat with a vision that has strengthened Kuwait’s relations with friendly and brotherly countries.

He further explained that Kuwait stands out in the region for its lack of specific agendas, instead prioritizing reconciliation, regional stability, and security. Its goal is to promote security, uphold international peace, and adhere to international conventions and laws.

He said, “This time we are holding a special celebration as we bid farewell to eight friends. They will depart for their countries to take on new roles, and perhaps we will meet again in other places.”

He added, “We wish them success in their new careers and want them to know that Kuwait brought us together in friendship; they will always remain dear to us.”

Ambassador Zubaydov, in his speech, highlighted the significant milestones and events organized by the departing ambassadors in Kuwait, and also presented them with commemorative shields.

Kuwait will always hold a special place in my heart: French Ambassador

H.E. Claire Le Flécher, the French Ambassador to Kuwait, expressed, “I have many mixed feelings as I bid farewell to a country that we loved and where we were received as part of our extended family. It is indeed a challenging moment for us, but Kuwait will always hold a special place in my heart. I cherish beautiful memories that I will never forget, and the friendships I have formed here will endure over time, remaining firmly rooted in my life. This is what matters most to me.”

She expressed her gratitude to all Kuwaitis, both officials and the friendly Kuwaiti people, for the distinguished and warm reception she received during her three-year stay in Kuwait.

She also thanked the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and all her fellow ambassadors accredited to the country for their cooperation and camaraderie, wishing them success in their future missions.

Spanish Ambassador fosters diplomacy and enduring friendships

His Excellency Miguel Moro Aguilar, the Ambassador of Spain to the country, expressed his gratitude to the representatives of the Kuwaiti media for their strong support throughout the embassy’s activities during his four-year tenure in the country. He also acknowledged the numerous friendships he had formed with the Kuwaiti people and his fellow heads of diplomatic missions.

He emphasized that his efforts aimed to build bridges between diplomacy and enduring friendships, noting that he would be returning to Madrid after a decade of service abroad.

He stated that the next ambassador, Manuel Gamayo, will arrive in Kuwait at the end of this month, specifically on July 28th, from the Spanish Embassy in Riyadh, where he served as Deputy Head of Mission. Manuel Gamayo is a veteran diplomat with extensive experience in diplomatic affairs.

Kuwait has truly become my second home: Austrian Ambassador

For his part, H.E. Marian Alexander Wrba, the Ambassador of Austria to Kuwait, expressed that this is his second farewell during the eight years he spent in the country, serving as his country’s ambassador twice. He expressed sadness at leaving a country he loved dearly and its hospitable people who will miss him.

He said, “It has been an honor for me to serve as Austria’s ambassador here on two occasions, first from 2008 to 2012 and again from 2020 to 2024. In total, I spent eight wonderful years in Kuwait, and I have cherished every moment. Kuwait has truly become my second home.”

He added, “Austria and Kuwait enjoy a long-standing friendship, and I am pleased with the positive momentum our bilateral relations have experienced in recent years. Our political and economic ties hold significant potential for enhanced cooperation.”

It was clarified that he will depart Kuwait at the end of August, with the new ambassador, Olive Frank, who previously served as ambassador from 2012 to 2016, arriving on September 1. He noted that he will miss the hospitality of the Kuwaitis, the desert, the sea, and the boats.

“He concluded his speech by saying, ‘As my time in Kuwait comes to an end, I leave feeling very grateful for the rich experiences and priceless friendships I have formed, and these will always be cherished memories.'”

“Somalia embassy now stands as a shining example of a public institution”

H.E. Dr. Abdullahi M. Odawa, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the State of Kuwait, said, “With the end of my duties as Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the State of Kuwait, I reflect on the amazing privilege I have had to represent my country in the sister State of Kuwait.

He continued, “When I arrived in Kuwait in January 2019 to serve as ambassador, I identified several priorities; however, three of them stand out, the first being… My main priority was to significantly transform the Somali Embassy in Kuwait, both in appearance and in its operational systems, to enhance service delivery. After five years of dedicated teamwork, I am extremely proud to announce that the embassy now stands as a shining example of a public institution that provides excellent services to its community and other visitors.”

He added, “Another priority was to contribute to improving the historical relationship between the State of Kuwait and Somalia. During my tenure, significant progress was made in this regard. Several high-level delegations from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, National Planning, Education, and Finance visited Kuwait and engaged in fruitful discussions with their Kuwaiti counterparts, laying the groundwork for a more cooperative future.”

He added, “We also hosted a high-level delegation from Somalia, led by our former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, who visited Kuwait in October 2020 to offer condolences to the government and people of Kuwait on the passing of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad. Another delegation, led by our President Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, visited in December 2023 for the same purpose. These gestures underscore Somalia’s deep appreciation for its longstanding relationship with Kuwait and the positive role Kuwait has played in assisting Somalia in recovering from the effects of its prolonged civil war.”

He added, “One of the most significant events during my tenure was the renegotiation and signing of the debt relief agreement between the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development on April 26, 2022.”

He continued, “On a personal note, two of our children, Sumaya and Yasser, were born in Kuwait. Their birth certificates and other important personal documents will forever bear the name of Kuwait, making it an indelible part of our family history. It will be challenging to forget our experiences as a family in this beautiful and charming country.”

“I express my deep gratitude to the sister State of Kuwait, to the wonderful people of Kuwait, to the dedicated staff at the embassy, and to the Somali community in Kuwait. Kuwait holds a special place in my heart, and my experience here will forever shape my future professional career,” he said.

The ambassador concluded by saying, “I leave with a heart full of gratitude and hope, praying to God to bless Kuwait with more progress, prosperity, security, and safety, and for the continued strength and durability of Kuwaiti-Somali relations.”