Envoys share sweet memories as they bid farewell to Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: A farewell ceremony for the outgoing ambassadors of Australia, Cyprus, Hungry and Mexico took place at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh's diplomatic quarter on Monday.
The event was hosted by the dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, who commended the envoys' service, commitment and contribution to diplomacy at both bilateral and multilateral level.
'During their tenure they did a good job, serving to expand bilateral relations between their countries and Saudi Arabia to new horizons of success and prosperity. I would like to extend them all the best in their life and future endeavors," said Bamakhrama, who is also the Djibouti ambassador.
He mentioned his involvement with them at occasions such as meeting the Riyadh governor during the holy month of Ramadan, adding: 'It was good sharing memories with you, we will miss you.'
Mexican ambassador Anibal Gomez Toledo thanked the dean and the Saudi government for their support during his time in the Kingdom.
'You have been very supportive, and a good friend. It has been an honor for me to be here with you all,' he said, praising the warm Saudi hospitality he had enjoyed.
'I think the Middle East has been a very humanitarian experience for me,' he said, adding the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 was an inspiration to many other countries.
Australian ambassador Mark Donovan said he had enjoyed his time in Riyadh and the good relationships he had experienced.
'It was always very professional and very polite. I consider myself lucky to be here,' he said.
'So my whole experience was pleasant. I will miss the Saudi hospitality, the warmth of working here with you all. Technology today allows us to keep in touch much easier than it did 30 years ago — I'm on Facebook, anybody can find me. I wish you all the best.'
Cypriot ambassador Alexis Phedonos-Vadet said: 'I am very grateful to be with you all (in) such a wonderful place with wonderful people. Me and my wife thank you all for the support, friendship and cooperation. It has been an incredible journey.'
Hungary's ambassador, Balazs Selmeci, said he appreciated the opportunity to get together with everyone before saying goodbye to the Kingdom.
'It really has been a privilege to be a part of what has happened here, the ongoing transformation. There are going to be some good times.'
He also thanked Saudi Arabia for supporting and helping countries evacuating citizens from Sudan. Both Saudi citizens and the nationals of other friendly countries were evacuated in mid-2023, with Royal Saudi Navy vessels and Royal Saudi Air Force planes playing a key part.
Also attending the farewell ceremony were the heads of various missions, ambassadors and other Saudi officials.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Asharq Al-Awsat
an hour ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Economists Warn of Global Trade Risks from Israel-Iran Conflict
Economic experts have warned that a protracted conflict between Israel and Iran could have far-reaching repercussions on the global economy, driving up energy prices and disrupting key sectors including aviation, insurance, trade, and maritime navigation. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Saudi Shura Council member Fadl Al-Buainain said the ongoing military confrontation is already impacting global energy markets, with oil prices spiking to multi-month highs in the immediate aftermath of the outbreak. He warned that continued Iranian threats to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz could further fuel the surge in energy prices. 'Such an act would be hostile, not only to Gulf nations but also to global consumers, compounding the challenges already facing the world economy', Al-Buainain said. He stressed that the energy sector is particularly vulnerable to military escalations. 'Any disruption to oil production or exports from major producers could send oil and gas prices skyrocketing, with direct consequences for global economic stability', he said. While current military actions have had limited impact on output and exports, Al-Buainain cautioned that any direct strikes on energy infrastructure could push oil prices above $100 per barrel, depending on how badly global supply chains are hit. The conflict has already disrupted international flight routes and increased operational costs for airlines, he said, while surging risk premiums have driven up insurance costs across the region. Maritime trade and shipping lanes are also at risk of direct disruption. Al-Buainain noted that the fallout will vary across the region. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia, thanks to its strategic location and Red Sea ports, is better positioned to maintain the flow of trade. The kingdom also benefits from pipelines that transport oil from the east to the west, partially shielding its exports from Gulf disruptions. He described energy as the 'real engine' of the global economy and said it, along with foreign trade, will bear the brunt of the economic impact. "But the human cost and developmental setbacks caused by war are far worse', he added. Al-Buainain warned that prospects for a swift diplomatic resolution are diminishing. 'Starting wars is easier than ending them,' he said, adding that an Iranian move to shut down Hormuz, while difficult in practice, could spark a direct confrontation with global powers, particularly the United States. 'If American interests are attacked, Washington could be drawn into the conflict, which risks expanding beyond control'. Khaled Ramadan, head of the Cairo-based International Center for Strategic Studies, said Israel's strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, including the Abadan refinery, which has a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, could severely reduce oil and gas supplies if the conflict drags on. He told Asharq Al-Awsat that Brent crude had already risen 8–13% following the escalation, crossing $78 per barrel. 'Should the Strait of Hormuz be closed, we could see oil prices surge to record levels', he warned. Ramadan said the conflict could also disrupt global supply chains, especially through Hormuz, affecting non-oil goods such as electronics and food. Shipping and insurance costs would rise, leading to higher consumer prices and a slowdown in global trade. Food staples such as wheat and corn, along with petrochemicals, garments, electronics, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals are all likely to see price increases, he said, citing higher energy and transport costs as well as declining market confidence. Ramadan added that the economic fallout includes rising inflation, weakening currencies, and a drop in investment — particularly in tourism and tech. 'The Iranian rial and Israeli shekel have already hit their lowest levels this year,' he noted, adding that the war could reshape global energy alliances, with Europe increasingly seeking alternative suppliers.
Asharq Al-Awsat
an hour ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Oil Prices Jump after Trump's Warning, Stocks Extend Gains
Oil prices rallied Tuesday after Donald Trump urged Tehran residents to evacuate, stoking fresh fears of all-out war as Israel and Iran continued to pound each other with missiles. Hopes that the deadly conflict can be contained helped most equities rise, while the US president's earlier claim that Iran wanted to make a nuclear deal also provided a little optimism. After Friday's surge sparked by Israel's attacks on its regional foe, crude ticked more than one percent lower Monday as traders bet that the battle would not spread throughout the Middle East and key oil sites were mostly left untouched, said AFP. But prices edged back up after Trump took to social media calling for the evacuation of the Iranian capital, which is home to nearly 10 million people. "Iran should have signed the 'deal' I told them to sign," he said, referring to nuclear talks that were taking place. "What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!" Oil prices spiked around two percent Tuesday before paring some of those gains, but the comments kept investors on edge amid warnings that an escalation of the crisis could send the commodity soaring again. Meanwhile, the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz left Southeast Asia on Monday after cancelling a Vietnam visit, with the Pentagon announcing it was sending "additional capabilities" to the Middle East. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Israel's campaign was "changing the face of the Middle East". Trump has maintained that Washington has "nothing to do" with its ally's campaign, but Iran's foreign minister said Monday that the US leader could halt the attacks with "one phone call". Traders had been a little more upbeat after the US president -- who is in Canada for the G7 summit -- had said Iran wanted to make a deal, saying "as soon as I leave here, we're going to be doing something". He later left the gathering in the Rockies, telling reporters: "I have to be back as soon as I can. I wish I could stay for tomorrow, but they understand, this is big stuff." Tehran had signaled a desire to de-escalate and resume nuclear talks with Washington as the United States did not join conflict, according to the Wall Street Journal. Stocks mostly rose in Asian trade, with Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore and Taipei leading gains, though Shanghai and Hong Kong struggled. "Risk assets are enjoying a positive start to the new week amid signs the Israel-Iran war remains limited to the two countries without signs of a possible escalation into a wider conflict," said Rodrigo Catril at National Australia Bank. "Iran is reportedly seeking de-escalation talks, but Israel is not showing signs of slowing down." The gains followed a positive lead from Wall Street, where traders are keeping tabs on the G7 summit world leaders pushed back against Trump's trade war, arguing it posed a risk to global economic stability. Leaders from Britain, Canada, Italy, Japan, Germany and France called on the president to reverse course on his plans to impose even steeper tariffs on countries across the globe next month. Also in view are central bank decisions this week, with the Bank of Japan due to make its latest decision on interest rates later in the day. Officials are expected to hold interest rates steady but tweak their bond purchase policy.
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Oil Updates — prices rise as Iran-Israel conflict keeps floor under prices
SINGAPORE: Oil prices rose on Tuesday, with analysts saying that uncertainty would keep prices elevated, even as there were no concrete signs of any production losses stemming from the Iran-Israel conflict for now. Brent crude futures climbed 54 cents, or 0.7 percent, to $73.77 a barrel as of 9:30 a.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude was up 58 cents, or 0.8 percent, at $72.35. Both contracts rose more than 2 percent earlier in the trading session but also notched declines before bouncing back in volatile trading. Prices traded higher as there was still risk of further unrest and potential disruption of oil supply from the key Middle East producing region. However, there were no visible signs of supply loss for now, industry sources said. The Israel-Iran conflict has not led to a loss in oil production, and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries still has spare production capacity, the chief executive of Italy's Eni said on Tuesday. Meanwhile, all the facilities of energy services firm Baker Hughes are operating normally in the Middle East, its chief executive Lorenzo Simonelli told Reuters on Monday. The benchmark oil contracts settled more than 1 percent lower on Monday amid hopes that the conflict would ease after media reports Iran was seeking an end to hostilities. However, concerns remained as US President Donald Trump in a social media post urged 'everyone' to evacuate the Iranian capital of Tehran. Entering its fifth day on Tuesday, the fighting has continued with Iranian media reporting explosions and heavy air defense fire in Tehran. In Israel, air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv in response to Iranian missiles. 'The conflict between Iran and Israel is still fresh and brewing, and investor sentiments may still be holding on to the 'war risks',' Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova, said in an email. 'Added volatility and caution ahead of the Fed policy decision are further ensuring higher-paced price reactions in oil,' Sachdeva added, referring to the US Federal Open Market Committee meeting, which guides interest rate decisions, that begins on Tuesday. Iran is the third-largest producer among members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. The concern is the fighting could disrupt its oil supply and raise prices, or Iran could retaliate by blocking shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. US media on Monday night reported Trump was proposing renewed talks with Iran on a nuclear deal, even as shipping sources said a vessel collided with two other ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting risks to companies moving oil and fuel supplies in the region.
