Chargé d’Affaires at the Lebanese Embassy Ahmed Arafa during a cakecutting ceremony

President of the Lebanese Business Council in Kuwait Ali Hassan Khalil delivered a heartfelt speech on behalf of the council and the Lebanese community. He said “since assuming your duties, you have been a symbol of modern diplomacy. You combined political, economic and social representation. You are Lebanon’s honorable voice abroad and a shining example of its values and morals. We will never forget your oversight of the rehabilitation of the Lebanese mission headquarters to become a unifying home for all Lebanese. Kuwait will not forget the ‘Kuwait Needs Your Safety’ campaign, which embodied your humanity and demonstrated the highest value of solidarity between the two brotherly peoples. Today we bid farewell to the Chargé d’Affaires ... to welcome the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations, the bearer of the nation’s message in international forums, with strong confidence in your ability to represent Lebanon with the highest levels of responsibility and competence.”

Business Council and dignitaries pose for a group photo during the Chargé d’Affaires Ahmed Arafa send-off for his distinguished service.

Meanwhile, Arafa expressed his deep gratitude. He stated “I stand today overwhelmed with the love of my friends and colleagues, and with the warmth of a country that embraced me as it embraces its own people. Kuwait has truly been my second home, with the generosity, authenticity and sincere love I have witnessed.” He extended his deep gratitude to the Lebanese community that he described as “the beating heart,” emphasizing that it has been the best support and an honorable symbol for Lebanon. He added: “I carry with me these memories, these relationships, and these values, to represent Lebanon at the United Nations, carrying its voice and true image based on dignity, justice, diversity and humanity.” Zubaydov, praised Arafa’s professional and humanitarian qualities, emphasizing that he “was an example of a professional and proactive diplomat who worked tirelessly to develop Lebanese-Kuwaiti relations and consolidate them. His fingerprints will remain firmly in the memory of the missions and the records of bilateral relations, especially after the success of the recent visit of His Excellency the Lebanese President to Kuwait, which he contributed to organizing and making a success in an effective manner.”

The ceremony witnessed a remarkable interaction among the attendees who praised Arafa’s professional and friendly behavior, and his continuous presence at various events of interest to the Lebanese community. At the end of the ceremony, an honorary shield was presented on behalf of the Lebanese Business Council, in appreciation of his efforts and as a token of love from his fellow citizens in Kuwait, with best wishes for his success in his new position in New York.