A token of appreciation

Islamabad: To confer the ‘Ordem Nacional do Cruzeiro do Sul’ – the National Order of the Southern Cross on former ambassador Taril Afridi, the Ambassador of Brazil Claudio Nils hosted a formal dinner at his residence.
The event was attended by former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral (r)Tariq Khan; former ambassador and Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Sudan and Iraq, Ashraf Qazi; former ambassador of Pakistan in Brazil, Ambassador Burnahul Islam and Farah Islam; former Head of Information in the embassies of Pakistan in Washington and London, also former director of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation and Rita Javed, (Executive Director of the US Educational Foundation in Pakistan); former member of the National Assembly and social worker, Fauzia Habib: the ambassador of Portugal, João Sabido Costa; the Ambassador of Argentina, Ivan Ivanissevich; Jean Pierre Guillot, (Embassy of France) and Mari his spouse, says a press release.
Addressing his guests the host thanked them for accepting his invitation; said a few words about each guest’s career and achievements and then addressed the guest of honour. “You had received this decoration upon completion of your tenure of three and a half years as Ambassador of Pakistan in Brazil. Since the decoration was lost in one of the many transferences of our diplomatic life, I have obtained this second set.” After giving details of Ambassador Afridi’s career, he added, “Your work in Brasilia amply deserved this recognition. You are a man who wants to see results. Your personal versatility is rare: you have political insight, personal sensitivity and the manners of a true gentleman. If all this were not enough, you are a keen and talented sportsman. I am certain that in the years you spent in Brazilia, you did much to enhance the relations between Brazil and Pakistan. When I think of you I think you fulfil perfectly four famous definitions of diplomacy and diplomats,” he said. “We all pay homage tonight to your political acumen, to your tact, to your agreeable manners and to your chivalrous nature. In the name of the Brazilian Government, it is an honor for me to decorate you with the Order of Cruzeiro do Sul.”
In conclusion he paid tribute to Ambassador Afridis wife and his own, Zu. “I think we are both married to remarkable ladies. Cristina, with your generous, dynamic personality, you have a strong sense of justice and you are a fighter for good causes. You are always ready to give the best to people who are in desperate need of understanding and help. Your warm, engaging personality has attracted many devoted friends.” In his response, Ambassador Afridi appreciated the efforts of Ambassador Lins for obtaining the award and thanked him and the government of Brazil for bestowing this honour on him.