Islamabad
To bid farewell to the High Commissioner of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Surab Hosain and Mrs. Roshanara Hosain; the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Janan Mosazai and Mrs. Zangah Mosazai and to welcome new ambassadors of Cuba and Iran and UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator, Neil Buhne, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Argentina, Rodolfo Martin Saravia hosted a noon time reception at the embassy. Despite the rain and chilly weather, it was a well attended affair with colleagues and friends turning up to wish the couples ‘bon voyage’ and welcome.
The dean began by saying that his colleague from Bangladesh had spent five and a half years in Pakistan -- much longer than his predecessors and it could be an indication of appreciation by his government. He spoke diplomatic skills how the high commissioner had concentrated on improving bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh; his help and participation in many events planned by the Dean’s office and his quiet but friendly nature. Not forgetting Mrs Hosain, he mentioned her role in IFWA and other charitable organizations.
The dean also represents his country in Afghanistan and is the dean as well. He drew a laugh from his guests by mentioning that he was surprised when he first met his colleague from Afghanistan, as he was “a year younger than my son!” (The youngest envoy in town -- previously it was the present ambassador of Bosnia).
He praised the envoy for his sagacity and diplomatic skills; said that while interacting with him he had added to his knowledge about Afghanistan; appreciated his role in the recent efforts to arrange a dialogue between all parties to bring peace to the region and expressed the opinion that the envoy was an asset to his country. He also praised Mrs Mosazai for her contribution to IFWA and concluded by wishing both envoys all the best in the future.
High Commissioner Hosain thanked the dean for hosting the reception and his help and assistance throughout his tenure. Stating that Bangladeshis and Pakistanis were brothers, he expressed his appreciation for the friendship extended to him and his wife; hoped that there would be more bilateral cooperation in many areas where there was scope and concluded by thanking the government; the Foreign Office and his friends for their friendship and support.
Ambassador Mosazai thanked the Dean for hosting the event and his colleagues for being present. While speaking of his work he expressed appreciation for all the cooperation he had received from his colleagues and Pakistani friends; hoped that the planned dialogue between the concerned parties would be a success and bring about peace and stability in the region, an occurrence that would positively impact the whole of South Asia. He concluded by hoping the Dean would come to Afghanistan so they could host a farewell for him and invited the others to visit the country as well, then added, “I will be back to visit.”
In the end, bouquets and mementos were presented to the guests of honour and the new ambassadors and UN representative were introduced. In conversation later on it was agreed that both envoys and their spouses had made a lasting impression with their work/social skills and would be remembered for some time to come in the local community of the capital.