Farewell to Moroccan envoy

The dean of the diplomatic corps, Kazakh Ambassador Bakhitbek Shabarbayev, held an elegant lunch reception to bid farewell to Moroccan Ambassador Mustapha Salahddinne as his three and a half year term in Pakistan comes to an end. The ambassador will return to Rabat awaiting his future assignment.

The reception was exclusively for other envoys, and Mr Shabarbayev said Mr Salahddinne would be missed, particularly because of his cheerful personality. Mr Salahddine thanked his colleagues for making his time in Pakistan enjoyable.

Also speaking at the event was the head of the foreign affairs ministry’s Middle East and North Africa rection, Tasawar Khan. He previously served as chief of protocol, and during his speech praised the development in trade and close cooperation between Morocco and Pakistan. The event was also attended by the minister of religious affairs, Aminul Hasnat Shah.

Ukraine celebrates 25th Independence Day

Ambassador Volodymyr Lakomov welcomed hundreds of guests to a celebration of Ukraine’s 25th Independence Day, a little after the actual day, which falls on August 24.

The federal minister for defence production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, was invited to the event as the chief guest.

During their speeches, the ambassador and the minister underlined the cordial relations between Ukraine and Pakistan.

Mr Lakomov drew attention to disagreements between Ukraine and Russia during his speech, but underlined the importance of cooperating with all countries in the region and beyond.

The reception at the Serena Hotel went on longer than usual, and a pleasant tone for the entire evening was set by the jovial ambassador and his embassy staffers.

Published in Dawn, September 25th, 2016