Swedish Ambassador Dag given a fond farewell

Waqar Naseem Wamiq RIYADH - Prominent Pakistani couple Dr. Mansour Memon and his wife Dr. Erum Qalbani hosted a farewell dinner to outgoing Swedish Ambassador Dag Juhlin Dannfelt at Spice restaurant here. Ambassadors and diplomats from Pakistan DHM Hassan Wazir, Sweden’s Dag Juhlin, Singapore’s Lawrence Anderson, South Africa’s Mohammad Abbas Khan, Myanmar’s KoKo lat, Jordan’s Janal Shamaylekh, Cameroon’s Iya Tijidani and UN Representative Dr. Ashok. Representatives from Thailand, Mexico, Denmark, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines and Belgium along with prominent socialites attended. Dr. Mansour welcomed the august company of diplomats and thanked them for the opportunity of being with them in one place, away from the DQ. “Diplomats are busy professionals nevertheless they do make time for positive social interactions and meet fellow diplomats so that they’d know one another,” said Dr. Mansour, who met the guests with Dr. Erum. Singapore’s Anderson commented, “This is the only couple outside international missions who have a good rapport with many ambassadors and their spouses.” Jordan’s Shamayleh also addressed the gathering, wishing Dag Juhlin good luck and success in his new post. He also noted how Dr. Memon and his wide exerted “extraordinary efforts in organizing such gatherings and portraying a positive image for Pakistan.” Muhammad Tanvir, principal of Pakistan International School (PISES), acknowledged Dr. Mansour and Dr. Erum’s role in projecting and promoting Pakistan’s positive image. Ashar, a professional banker acknowledged the patriotic vision of Dr. Mansour and Dr. Erum, said, “Pakistan has produced many prominent people, who have excelled in their career and they are certainly one of them”. Outgoing Swedish ambassador Dag Juhlin expressed mixed feelings on moving to a new port, especially after being with excellent colleagues for the last five years. He recollected good memories shared with fellow diplomats in the Kingdom as he bid adieu to all before leaving for Malaysia, where he’s set to take charge. He also remembered his previous assignment as political counselor in Islamabad and continued his friendship with Pakistan and with Pakistani socialites. “I applied to be posted there as ambassador this time but was not lucky enough to get the post,” he said. He added his daughter was born in Pakistan and praised the rich heritage and strong cultural roots of Pakistan. He highly praised his hosts, “This physician duo is a loving couple, and both are enriched with pleasant disposition. They are naturally gifted with friendly and smiling demeanor, they possess some qualities that help in winning friends.” Dr. Mansour and Dr. Erum praised the Saudi Vision 2030 and expressed sincere wishes for Saudi Arabia’s extraordinary growth under King Salman. “Vision 2030 is a dynamic and visionary goal-oriented master plan that will empower the dynamic youth of Saudi Arabia,” Dr. Mansour said. “Vision 2030 is very ambitious and focused plan for positive growth and development of Saudi Arabia, this certainly will give a new face to Kingdom in economic area,” Dr. Erum said. Ambassador Dag was presented with a biographical book of Dr. Mansour’s eminent father G. M. Memon. He was also presented with religious books by Faisal Alvi of Darussalam the leading Islamic book publishers in the world.