Türkiye Ambassador Bids Farewell to Kuwait
The Times Kuwait Report
In an evening marked by warmth, gratitude, and reflection, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the State of Kuwait, H.E. Tuba Nur Sönmez, hosted a farewell reception at her residence on Sunday, bringing together senior Kuwaiti officials, fellow ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and distinguished guests as she concluded her diplomatic mission in Kuwait.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Sönmez described her four-year tenure as one of the greatest privileges of her diplomatic career, saying that representing Türkiye in Kuwait had been both an honour and a deeply rewarding experience.
“It is with both pride and emotion that I conclude my tenure as Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the State of Kuwait,” she said, expressing heartfelt appreciation to the Kuwaiti leadership, government, diplomatic community, and people for the friendship and support extended throughout her mission.
Reflecting on the remarkable progress achieved in bilateral relations, Ambassador Sönmez noted that Türkiye and Kuwait had elevated their partnership to a truly strategic level through sustained political dialogue and high-level exchanges. She highlighted the historic visits of His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Türkiye his first official visit outside the Arab world as Amir and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Kuwait as defining milestones in the relationship.
The Ambassador also recalled Kuwait’s unwavering solidarity following the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye on February 6, 2023. She paid tribute to the humanitarian response of the Kuwaiti government and people, saying the air bridge established to Türkiye and the deployment of search and rescue teams would forever remain etched in the hearts of the Turkish people as enduring symbols of brotherhood and compassion.
During her tenure, the Turkish Embassy organized more than 150 events spanning diplomacy, culture, education, trade, and the arts. She highlighted the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024, which featured exhibitions, concerts, archival displays, and the publication of a commemorative book celebrating six decades of friendship.
Among the landmark initiatives were the unveiling of the Friendship Mural at the historic Souq Al-Mubarakiya and environmental awareness programmes inspired by Türkiye’s internationally recognised Zero Waste initiative championed by First Lady Emine Erdoğan.
On the economic front, Ambassador Sönmez noted that bilateral cooperation had reached unprecedented levels, with trade between the two countries surpassing US$1 billion in 2025 for the first time, representing a 52 percent increase. She also highlighted growing collaboration in defence and security, including Kuwait’s acquisition of Türkiye’s Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles under a government-to-government agreement.
She further underscored enhanced cooperation within multilateral frameworks, including engagement through the NATO Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Regional Centre and the Asia Cooperation Dialogue.
Reflecting on people-to-people ties, Ambassador Sönmez spoke warmly about the launch of the Embassy’s “Embassy Divaniyeh” gatherings, describing them as an initiative that brought together members of the Turkish community and Kuwaiti friends in an atmosphere of dialogue and friendship.
“As I bid farewell to Kuwait, which has truly become my second home over these past four years, I leave with immense gratitude,” she said. “From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the many institutions, diwaniyas, and even family celebrations, you never made me feel like a stranger.”
She also expressed appreciation to her colleagues at the Turkish Embassy, acknowledged the contributions of her predecessors, and wished her successor every success in further strengthening the enduring partnership between Türkiye and Kuwait.
Concluding her address, Ambassador Sönmez offered her heartfelt wishes to the diplomatic community and reaffirmed that Kuwait would always remain close to her heart.
“From today, you have a sister in Ankara,” she said. “I look forward to staying in touch. Until we meet again.”
The reception served as both a celebration of a successful diplomatic tenure and a testament to the deep-rooted friendship between Türkiye and Kuwait, with guests paying tribute to Ambassador Sönmez’s dedication, warmth, and significant contribution to advancing bilateral relations during her time in the country.
