Farewell in honour of US, Spain envoys

Islamabad
A number of foreign envoys are leaving Pakistan after completing their tenure in Pakistan and this exodus calls for their friends and/or colleagues to host an event in their honour -- depending on the interaction that has taken place between them. To bid farewell to the Ambassador of the United States, Richard Olsen and the Ambassador of Spain, Javier Carbajosa, Executive Director, Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Ambassador (r) Ali Sarwar Naqvi and spouse Meher Naqvi hosted an Iftar/dinner at the Islamabad Clubs Saddle Room. The dinner was attended, among others, by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Argentina Rodolfo Martin Saravia and the amiable Director Americas, MFA, Zulfiqar Gardezi.
Addressing the gathering after Iftar and before dinner was served the host thanked his guests for their presence and said a few words about his guests of honour. Ambassador Olsen, who was a friend and who had previously been posted in Afghanistan, had been a good source for exchanging insightful views about the relations between Pakistan and its neighbour and where the relationship was heading. After he complimented Ambassador Carbajosa on being a 'thorough gentleman' he spoke of the rich culture of Spain and the links Muslim countries had with the country. He wished both envoys 'all the best' for the future and concluded by thanking them for accepting their invitation.
Ambassador Olsen thanked the Naqvis 'for this very nice get together' and said he had always enjoyed meeting them and 'exchanging' views. He mentioned their active social life and the work being done by CISS and concluded by wishing them well in the years to come. Ambassador Carbajosa thanked his hosts and all the other guests who were present for being there. He spoke about the hospitality and friendship he had received in Pakistan and said he would welcome his friends in Spain if they ever visited.
It was a pleasant evening with a nice mix of guests, so discussions on many subjects -- mostly on the lighter side -- were diverse and lively. Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan, Sherali Jononov announced he was going home for Eid so greetings were exchanged and ambassador of Italy announced that he would also be leaving Pakistan too in a couple of months, so that added to the list of those envoys who are leaving this year.