It Preoccupied Me Greatly: The Headache of Cultures
Like other humans preoccupied with issues and files that come to mind unexpectedly and fall short of expectations, one of the lessons we have learned from this world is that there are no taboos. Life is a factory of both joy and pain, and each of us has lived through experiences that carried us to positions and places far removed from our preconceptions. The magnitude of surprises intensifies with the weight of responsibility one bears and with the nature of the post one holds.
Having served as Kuwait’s ambassador in New York while raising young children who lived with me in that city—which delights yet bewilders its residents, whether citizens or expatriates drawn there by duty—I encountered a diverse crowd: merchants, diplomats, artists, and others who came to join the artistic innovations flourishing in this exciting and disorienting metropolis. In truth, New York offers a lavish life in the arts, knowledge, and culture, but it is also poor in the tranquility of security and lacks softness in daily life. It is loud with tones of stimulation and openness, and strange in its life variations. The wealthy enjoy ease, while others struggle or sleep on its streets; everyone expends their effort for their livelihood and family. New York is a city with no place for emotions or time for relaxation. Its energy is open, never sleeping, and always aware of human needs; it has no equal.
I served as ambassador in Argentina and in Brazil. Fun abounds in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, where discipline and calm prevail, while Rio de Janeiro welcomes night lovers and those who enjoy late nights. Politics, its problems, and the country’s leadership were preoccupying Argentina, whereas Brazil was under military rule. The Brazilian president once asked me if I knew Rio de Janeiro. I replied that I did not. He then ordered the protocol officer to take me around the capital. His words carried a tone of pride.
The Arab community, mostly of Syrian origin, was active in politics and played a prominent role in party activities, especially in Argentina, where the president was of Syrian descent. In Brazil, the president was of Scottish descent. I also sensed that relations between the two countries were cool. I presented my credentials to Argentine President Perón, who had returned from exile in Spain after his party won the elections held following the fall of military rule and the return of political parties. In contrast, military rule in Brazil lasted until the late 1970s.
My tenure as ambassador to Brazil coincided with my presence there after the United Nations session, which begins in September each year and ends in late December. Afterward, UN work continues through committees operating until the beginning of the summer season. I urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to appoint a resident ambassador to Brazil and another to Argentina, recognizing their importance in the life of the Southern continent and the world. Kuwait did not delay; it selected two ambassadors, one remaining in Brazil and the other in the Argentine capital, as these are key posts in the South with influential roles in South American affairs, especially given the dominance of Soviet influence in Cuba and the spread of Cuban President Castro’s stature. Both Brazil and Argentina pursued a policy of caution and distance from Cuba’s efforts to challenge American influence.
We now live in a reality different from that of the 1970s. The concept of deterrence diplomacy has evolved, stemming from strategic partnerships with allies with whom Kuwait shares unity, diverse interests, and aligned positions. These partnerships have provided Kuwait with effective security additions. I am greatly pleased by the presence of embassies for the Argentine Republic and the Brazilian Republic operating in Kuwait, which serve to maximize the network of relations between them and Kuwait.
I became acquainted with Brazil, a continent renowned for its demographic diversity, the vibrancy of its anthems, and the dynamism of its youth. I fell in love with Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, which possesses many of the characteristics of European capitals. This development reflects the expansion of Kuwait’s diplomatic footprint, driven by the diplomatic qualities of integrity, dynamic engagement, ethical conduct, and good intentions that define Kuwaiti diplomacy. I was pleased to see a significant number of ambassadors from South American countries present in Kuwait, representing their nations and expressing a shared interest in deepening bilateral relations and broadening the base of participation amid diverse mutual interests. I was also gratified by the growing interest of South American countries in following Gulf issues and their commitment to developing and diversifying mutual interests, thereby strengthening the network of interconnectivity and diversifying shared interests between the two regions. Kuwait continues to explore expanding its interests in the southern continent, particularly in investment, especially in energy fields. In September 1974, the United Nations General Assembly convened a special session to discuss energy and its importance in international relations. South American countries played a crucial role in reaching consensus on energy and its significance for global development. The Latin American and Caribbean group played a sensitive role in achieving collective agreement on the future of energy and its role in collective development. This occurred in March 1974. Kuwait’s presence in this distant continent expanded, reflecting the growing mutual interests between Kuwait and South American countries. I sensed Brazil’s and Argentina’s desire to draw closer to the Gulf, particularly given its specificities, especially in the energy sector. Venezuela’s delegation also played a significant role in fostering understanding during the UN’s 1974 special session on energy. Both Brazil and Argentina contributed to achieving consensus on disarmament, which helped reduce tensions within the UN General Assembly meetings. The voice of South America was instrumental in fostering understanding and alleviating tensions. Abdullah Basharahil
