Ambassador Tuba Nur Sönmez will be dearly missed

29/07/2026

There are very few people I genuinely find difficult to say goodbye to, and Her Excellency Tuba Nur Sönmez is one of them. During her years in Kuwait, I came to know someone who was not only an excellent ambassador, but also a true friend. Her kindness, warmth, and genuine love for Kuwait left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. After four years in Kuwait, Ambassador Sönmez is concluding her tenure as Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Kuwait.

During her time here, she worked hard to strengthen the relationship between our two countries, but what many people will remember most is the way she treated everyone around her. She was approachable, kind, and always ready to listen. Whether at an official event, a cultural gathering, or even a simple conversation, she made people feel comfortable. The past four years were important for relations between our two countries. There were high-level visits, growing trade, cultural events, and the celebration of sixty years of diplomatic relations.

The Turkish Embassy was active throughout this period, bringing people together through exhibitions, concerts, community events, and initiatives that highlighted the friendship between our two nations. These achievements reflected the work of the entire embassy team under her leadership. Some of the hardest moments also showed the strength of the relationship. After the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye in 2023, Kuwait stood beside the Turkish people with remarkable generosity. Ambassador Sönmez often spoke with appreciation about that support and never forgot the solidarity shown by the people and leadership of Kuwait.

At her farewell reception, one sentence stood out to me. She said that Kuwait had become her second home. Those were not simply polite words. Anyone who met her over the past four years could see that she genuinely meant them. She embraced Kuwait, respected its traditions, and built friendships that will continue long after her departure.

On a personal level, I have always appreciated her warmth, sincerity, and friendship. She represented her country with dignity while also building real human connections with people from every background. As Ambassador Tuba Nur Sönmez leaves Kuwait, I wish her every success and happiness in whatever lies ahead. Kuwait will always welcome her back, not only as a former ambassador, but as a dear friend who will be greatly missed.

By Nasser Al-Hajeri