Kuwait is my second family: Ambassador Sönmez

KUWAIT CITY, July 11: The Indonesian Embassy in Kuwait on Saturday organized a farewell reception for outgoing Turkish Ambassador Tuba Nur Sönmez, in the presence of several ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, and other dignitaries. Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait Lena Maryana pointed out that the Turkish Ambassador is not only a successful diplomat, but also a dear friend to many. She highlighted the friendly nature of the latter, as well as her refined presence and ability to build bridges of communication with everyone.

Maryana stated that this is a celebration of friendship, fond memories, and the positive impact that the Turkish Ambassador made during her tenure in Kuwait. She said Sönmez represented her country with utmost elegance, dedication and professionalism, and that noble human qualities complemented her diplomatic achievements. She added that Sönmez is always admired for her wisdom, strength, and cheerful, kind personality, and wished her continued success in her next diplomatic posting. On the other hand, Sönmez shared her deep emotions at the farewell ceremony, emphasizing that the four years she spent in Kuwait are among the most beautiful chapters of her professional and personal life. She said “I leave Kuwait with unforgettable memories. You are my second family.”

She revealed that her posting in Kuwait is her first as an ambassador, following years of service at the Turkish Presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She indicated that her experience in Kuwait allowed her to build deep human connections with the Kuwaiti society and members of the diplomatic corps, making this period different from any of her previous postings. She praised the generosity of Kuwait, its government, people and diplomatic community, citing the humanitarian gesture when an earthquake hit Turkiye. She affirmed that cooperation extended to implementing projects to support refugees and those affected in Turkiye and Syria, in partnership with Kuwaiti humanitarian organizations, international organizations, and the United Nations. She emphasized that diplomacy is not limited to political work, as it includes serving the community. She then mentioned her participation in several environmental initiatives and tree-planting campaigns in Kuwait.

She also talked about the developments the region witnessed during her tenure, while praising the resilience of Kuwaiti society and its ability to maintain normalcy despite regional circumstances and security challenges. She is hoping that peace and stability will prevail in the region and the whole world. She disclosed that the mission of diplomats is to build bridges of friendship and strengthen brotherhood and cooperation among peoples, stressing that Kuwait is a model of diplomatic work. She announced that she will return to Ankara to work at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs before embarking on a new diplomatic assignment. She affirmed that she will continue to support Turkish-Kuwaiti relations in her new position and will always be in touch with her friends in Kuwait.

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff