The Indonesian Embassy in Kuwait organized a farewell reception for outgoing Turkish Ambassador Tuba Nur Sönmez on July 11, 2026. Diplomats from multiple missions along with other dignitaries gathered to mark the conclusion of her four-year mission. Indonesian Ambassador Lena Maryana opened the event by welcoming attendees and setting the tone for tributes to the envoy’s legacy.
Sönmez expressed deep emotions over her departure while addressing the gathering. “I leave Kuwait with unforgettable memories. You are my second family,” Sönmez said in remarks at the reception. The ambassador added that her posting in Kuwait marked her first ambassadorial role after earlier service at the Turkish Presidency and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, allowing her to forge human connections with Kuwaiti society and the diplomatic corps unlike any previous assignment.
Maryana commended the Turkish envoy for her professional achievements and personal attributes during the ceremony. The Indonesian ambassador portrayed Sönmez as both a successful diplomat and a dear friend who excelled at building bridges of communication among colleagues. She characterized the reception as a celebration of friendship, shared memories and the positive contributions Sönmez had delivered throughout her tenure while wishing her every success ahead.
Sönmez recounted her involvement in diverse activities beyond traditional diplomacy while in Kuwait. The ambassador participated in humanitarian cooperation with Kuwaiti organizations following major earthquakes in Turkey and Syria in addition to local environmental efforts that included tree-planting campaigns. She praised the generosity displayed by the Kuwaiti government, its people and the broader diplomatic community amid regional challenges.
Bilateral economic links expanded noticeably during the ambassador’s time in Kuwait. Times Kuwait reported that trade volume between Türkiye and Kuwait rose 52 percent in 2025 to reach approximately $1.08 billion. Sönmez noted the resilience of Kuwaiti society in the face of wider regional developments and voiced hope for continued peace and stability across the area.
The envoy will return to Ankara for a new assignment at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the posting. Sönmez stated her intention to keep supporting Turkish-Kuwaiti relations from her upcoming role. She underlined that the core task for diplomats lies in constructing bridges of friendship while reinforcing brotherhood and cooperation among nations.
