Latest news with #DiplomaticCorps
Arab Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Deanship of Diplomatic Corps organizes farewell for 6 outgoing envoys
KUWAIT CITY, July 12: The Deanship of the Diplomatic Corps in Kuwait organized a farewell ceremony for six ambassadors who completed their assignments in the country. The ceremony was held at the St. Regis Hotel with a large number of diplomats and officials, headed by a representative of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Haif Al-Huwailah, in attendance. Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan to Kuwait Zubaydullah Zubaydov expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the outgoing ambassadors for their efforts during their tenure. He praised the agreements and initiatives they achieved to support bilateral relations and deepen the bonds of friendship and understanding. He affirmed that the diplomatic corps in Kuwait is characterized by unique cooperation among its members and a spirit of teamwork, which contributed to making every farewell an opportunity to celebrate achievement and loyalty. He stated 'We wish you a prosperous future filled with success. Kuwait will always remain a second home for you.' He highlighted the influential role of US Ambassador Karen Sasahara, whose tenure witnessed the strong start of technological cooperation between the two countries, with companies such as Google Cloud and Johnson & Johnson entering the Kuwaiti market, in addition to the launching of strategic partnerships with Microsoft. He praised the pivotal role played by British Ambassador Belinda Lewis during her four years in Kuwait, specifically her active participation in strategic dialogues and organizing high-level visits to and from the two countries -- most notably the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh and the celebration of the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He pointed out her contributions to strengthening defense, humanitarian, and commercial cooperation, with trade exchanges reaching more than £6 billion annually. He also put the spotlight on her support for educational and cultural projects and symbolic visits, such as hosting the Red Arrows. He touched on the initiatives undertaken by Canadian Ambassador Aliya Mawani to promote humanitarian values and social justice, as well as her support for education and gender equality. He lauded the grand celebration that Mawani organized, marking the 60th anniversary of Canadian-Kuwaiti relations, which included artistic and sporting events. He noted the achievements of Egyptian Ambassador Osama Shaltout, which included five presidential visits; the signing of more than 10 cooperation agreements in the housing, aviation and education sectors; and the increase of Kuwaiti investments in Egypt to more than $20 billion. He mentioned the ambassador's role in caring for the Egyptian community, his innovation of a digital employment system, his contributions to cultural initiatives such as the 'Together in Love with Kuwait' festival, and his active participation in humanitarian issues, particularly the support for Gaza. He paid tribute to Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bhutan Chitem Tenzin, who concluded a four-year diplomatic career that witnessed the signing of the historic air transport agreement, three visits by the King of Bhutan to Kuwait, and the expansion of the Bhutanese community to include more than 10,000 individuals. He then commended Head of the NATO Office at the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Regional Center Nora Elise Beck, who led the office during its most active period since inception, organizing 74 official events to address security, energy and women empowerment issues. Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
Mail & Guardian
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Burundi celebrates 63 years of independence
Ambassador of Malawi H.E Stella Chiripo Ndau, Ambassador of Burundi and High Commissioner of Botswana H.E Dr Sanji Mmasenono Monageng Burundi marked a significant milestone on July 1, 2025, celebrating the 63rd anniversary of its independence from Belgian colonial rule. The East African nation gained sovereignty on July 1, 1962, establishing itself as an independent republic after decades under colonial administration. The commemorative celebration took place in Pretoria, where His Excellency Mr. Bukuru Alexis, Burundi's diplomatic representative, welcomed members of the Diplomatic Corps and distinguished guests to honor this historic occasion. A highlight of the celebration was the performance of the Ritual Dance of the Royal Drum, a magnificent display of Burundi's rich cultural heritage. This ancient tradition represents far more than entertainment—it embodies the soul of Burundian identity through a compelling fusion of drumming, dancing, poetry, and traditional songs. The Royal Drum dance holds profound significance in Burundian society, serving multiple ceremonial purposes. Traditionally performed during national and local festivals, the dance also serves as a prestigious welcome for important visitors and dignitaries. Beyond its ceremonial function, the practice is deeply spiritual, believed to establish connections with ancestral spirits and maintain cultural continuity across generations. Ambassador of Burundi H.E Mr Bukuru Alexis and Ambassador Simon Duku Michael of South Sudan The cultural importance of this tradition gained international recognition when UNESCO inscribed the Ritual Dance of the Royal Drum on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. This designation acknowledges not only the artistic merit of the performance but also its crucial role in preserving Burundian cultural identity and traditional knowledge systems. The inclusion of this cultural showcase in the independence celebration demonstrates Burundi's commitment to honoring its heritage while marking its journey as a sovereign nation. As the country looks toward the future, such traditions serve as powerful reminders of the cultural foundations that continue to shape Burundian national identity in the modern era. The 63rd independence anniversary celebration in Pretoria successfully combined diplomatic protocol with authentic cultural expression, offering attendees an enriching glimpse into Burundi's vibrant heritage and enduring traditions.
GMA Network
03-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
US announces funding for SCMB Railway Project at 4th of July gala in PH
Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazo, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the Philippines, Apostolic Nuncio Reverend Charles Brown, raise a toast during the US Independence Day celebration on July 3, 2025. US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson formally announced American financial support for the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway project during the US Embassy's Independence Day celebration in Manila. 'Last week in Washington, we announced funding for a major rail line linking Subic, Manila, and Batangas under the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative, creating jobs and driving innovation in both of our countries,' Carlson said. The SCMB Railway, a freight line designed to connect three major ports in Luzon, aims to ease congestion at the Port of Manila and improve logistics across the region. The project, which had stalled under the previous administration after China withdrew from negotiations, is now moving forward with technical assistance from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa P. Lazaro welcomed the development, emphasizing its economic impact. 'Which is designed to link the three major ports in Luzon and decongest traffic in the Port of Manila, these flurry of activities are a testament of the strength and depth of the relations,' she said. The announcement comes amid broader efforts to deepen US-Philippine cooperation, particularly in defense. During a visit in March, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Washington's commitment to enhancing the Philippines' defense capabilities. Carlson also addressed reports that US lawmakers are proposing a joint ammunition manufacturing and storage facility in Subic, a former US naval base. 'I'm not surprised given the very strong bipartisan support for the Philippines in US Congress that they're also looking at ways that we can continue to enhance US-Philippine defense cooperation,' she said. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who attended the celebration, has previously said that while no formal notice has been received, the proposal is a welcome development that would benefit the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Also present at the event were ambassadors from Quad member nations—the US, Australia, India, and Japan—led by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya. The Quad recently issued a joint statement condemning unilateral actions in the South China Sea. While no country was named, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed gratitude for the support. "By highlighting the continuing dangerous and provocative actions, and the use of force and coercion in the South China Sea, the Quad Foreign Ministers have kept focus on the incidents that the Philippines has regularly contended with in the West Philippine Sea," the DFA said. Carlson closed her remarks with a reaffirmation of the US-Philippine alliance: 'We are more than friends, partners, and allies, we are family. As we mark our Independence Day, we renew our commitment to shared ideals.' The celebration was attended by top government officials and notable personalities, including two-time Olympic champion Carlos Yulo and Irene Marcos Araneta, sister of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. Also in attendance were GMA Integrated News executives Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy, and Reina Anne S. Dimapawi, Assistant Vice President and Deputy Head of GMA Integrated News Operations. — BM, GMA Integrated News
Arab Times
28-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Lebanese Business Council honors outgoing Chargé d'Affaires
KUWAIT CITY, June 28: In a gesture of loyalty and appreciation for his distinguished diplomatic career, the Lebanese Business Council in Kuwait organized a farewell ceremony in honor of Chargé d'Affaires at the Lebanese Embassy Ahmed Arafa, on the occasion of the end of his diplomatic mission in Kuwait and his appointment as Permanent Representative of the Lebanese Republic to the United Nations in New York. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan to Kuwait Ambassador Zubaydullo Zubaydzoda. Representative of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the Protocol Department Muhanna Al- Muhanna, members of the diplomatic corps, economic and social figures, and representatives of the Lebanese community attended the event to express their sincere appreciation for Arafa's contributions throughout his tenure in Kuwait. 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.' 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.
Deccan Herald
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
EAM Jaishankar joins envoys & other members of diplomatic corps as they mark International Day of Yoga
Pleased to join the Diplomatic Corps at the Nehru Park in Delhi this morning to celebrate #InternationalDayOfYoga. Like PM @narendramodi said today, the session was a true reflection of Yoga for everyone, beyond boundaries, backgrounds, age or ability. #IDY2025
