Times Kuwait reported that Indonesian Ambassador Lena Maryana hosted a farewell reception for Sönmez where diplomats celebrated the personal bonds formed during the Turkish envoy’s tenure. Maryana praised Sönmez for representing her country with professionalism, sincerity and dignity while forging connections across the diplomatic community in Kuwait. “Ambassador Tuba was not only a successful diplomat, but also a dear friend to many,” Maryana said, before adding her own tribute that “You will always remain a sister and a friend. You have a second home in Indonesia, with friends and a special place in our hearts.”
Sönmez, serving in her first assignment as ambassador after earlier roles at the Turkish Presidency and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described her four years in Kuwait as one of the most meaningful periods in her professional and personal life. She recalled first visiting the country in 2015 as part of a delegation accompanying the Turkish president, when she helped organize the First Lady’s program. “I will leave Kuwait carrying unforgettable memories and friendships that will remain with me forever,” Sönmez stated according to the Times Kuwait account.
The ambassador highlighted Kuwait’s swift humanitarian response to the 2023 earthquake in Türkiye, which a Washington Institute for Near East Policy assessment found included a $30 million pledge along with more than $67.5 million raised through a “Kuwait by your side” donation campaign. Sönmez noted how Kuwaiti government agencies, humanitarian organizations and military aircraft delivered relief supplies while supporting longer-term projects for affected communities and refugees in Türkiye and Syria through United Nations partnerships. “These efforts remain among the moments I am most proud to have witnessed,” she said.
Sönmez also participated in local environmental initiatives including tree-planting campaigns in Kuwait and commended the country’s ability to maintain stability and normal life amid regional challenges. A Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs overview of bilateral economic relations placed trade volume at $678 million by the end of 2018 before subsequent growth, with Kuwaiti investments in Türkiye exceeding $2 billion in finance and real estate according to Turkish investment authorities. “Kuwait represents a unique model of diplomatic cooperation,” Sönmez said, describing its diplomatic community as one of the finest she encountered in her career.
Data compiled by Kuwait Times showed the bilateral trade volume between Kuwait and Türkiye increased by 52 percent in 2025, reaching approximately $1 billion and building on earlier gains that reflected expanding economic ties. Sönmez will return to Ankara to resume duties at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of her next diplomatic posting. She pledged to continue advancing Kuwait-Türkiye relations and the personal friendships formed during her time in the Gulf state.
The outgoing envoy emphasized that diplomacy extends beyond official meetings to encompass community service, shared values and people-to-people connections that strengthen bilateral bonds. Her reflections underscored how the Kuwait posting allowed her to move past short official visits to develop lasting relationships with individuals across society. “I will never forget Kuwait, and I will never forget the people I met here. You have all become part of my family, and you will always remain in my heart,” Sönmez said in closing remarks reported by Times Kuwait.
