Turkish Ambassador: I spent the most beautiful moments of my life in Kuwait
Tuba Nour Sonmez, the Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait, affirmed that Kuwait represents a distinctive model of diplomatic practice and that its diplomatic community is among the finest she has interacted with throughout her career. She made these remarks during a farewell reception hosted by the Indonesian Ambassador, Lina Mariana, and her husband at their residence, attended by diplomatic and media figures.
Sonmez stated that the four years she spent in Kuwait were among the most beautiful chapters of her professional and personal life, forming an exceptional experience. She said she would be departing with friendships and memories that would remain deeply etched in her heart. She added that her diplomatic posting in Kuwait was her first assignment as an ambassador, following years of service in the Turkish Presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she held various positions. She noted that her experience in Kuwait afforded her the opportunity to build deep human connections with diverse segments of society and with fellow diplomats.
She praised the generosity of Kuwait, both the government and the people, as well as the diplomatic community, in their humanitarian response to the earthquake that struck Turkey. She emphasized that everyone collaborated in organizing relief campaigns and delivering humanitarian aid, and that she worked alongside Kuwaiti officials to transport aid to affected areas aboard military aircraft.
Sonmez clarified that humanitarian cooperation did not end with the earthquake; it extended to implementing projects to support refugees and those affected in Turkey and Syria, in partnership with Kuwaiti humanitarian entities, international organizations, and the United Nations. She expressed pride in being part of these humanitarian efforts.
She stressed that diplomacy is not limited to political work but also encompasses community service, highlighting her participation in various environmental initiatives, including tree-planting campaigns in Kuwait. She expressed hope that future generations would reap the benefits of these efforts.
She also addressed developments in the region during her tenure, commending the resilience, steadfastness, and ability of Kuwaiti society to maintain normal life despite regional circumstances and security challenges. She expressed her hope for peace and stability to prevail in the region and around the world.
She announced that she would return to Ankara to work at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs before moving to a new diplomatic posting. She affirmed that she would continue to support Kuwait-Turkey relations from her new position and remain in touch with her friends in Kuwait.
She concluded her speech by saying, “I will never forget Kuwait, and I will never forget anyone I met here. You have all become part of my family, and you will always remain in my heart.”
