Pakistani Community Bids Farewell to Indonesian Ambassador

rki.news

By Haroon Rashid Qureshi
Doha, Qatar
Under the Pakistani Community Culinary Diplomacy series, an initiative of renowned community member and journalist Ashraf Siddiqui, a warm farewell gathering was hosted at Sarhad Premium, Golden Tulip Doha, in honor of His Excellency Ridwan Hassan, Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar, marking the conclusion of his five-year diplomatic tenure in the country. The event reflected the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect between the Indonesian mission and the Pakistani community in Qatar.
Earlier, Senior Cardiologist Dr. Shahid Imran, representing the community, welcomed the guests and expressed his gratitude to the Chief Guest and other Excellencies for accepting the invitation. In his remarks, he referred to the decades-long Cold War, the war against terrorism in Southeast Asia, and the serious security and economic challenges faced by Pakistan. He noted that these challenges have played a unifying role for the nation and have contributed significantly to strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.
In his farewell address, Ambassador Ridwan Hassan shared reflections on his time in Doha, describing it as a period marked by hope, resilience, and positive transformation. He noted that Qatar witnessed several significant global milestones during his tenure, including major international events and cultural initiatives. He highlighted the Qatar–Indonesia Year of Culture as a landmark achievement, widely regarded as one of the most successful cultural exchange programs to date.
The Ambassador recalled that one of his earliest encounters in Doha was with Mr. Ashraf Siddiqui, senior journalist, who provided extensive coverage of Indonesian news and cultural initiatives throughout his tenure. He emphasized the important role of Mr. Siddiqui in strengthening bilateral and people-to-people relations through responsible journalism. Ambassador Ridwan Hassan expressed appreciation for the consistent support of media professionals in highlighting positive stories about Indonesia and the diverse communities living in Qatar. He also spoke warmly of his close association with the Pakistani community, describing it as a meaningful and enriching part of his diplomatic experience.
Ambassador Ridwan Hassan stressed that the occasion should not be viewed as a farewell but as a continuation of enduring relationships. He reaffirmed that the doors of Indonesia remain open to friends and well-wishers and expressed confidence that the bonds formed in Doha would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.
The Forum’s traditional breakfast was attended by several distinguished diplomats, including His Excellency Muhammad Aamer, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; His Excellency Badreddin Abdullah Mohammed Ahmed, Ambassador of Sudan; His Excellency Mohamed Bahrin Abu Bakr, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam and Dean of ASEAN Ambassadors in Qatar; and His Excellency Salah Khaled, Regional Director of UNESCO for the Middle East and Africa. Prominent Pakistani professionals and members of the business community were also present, adding further significance to the gathering.
In his concluding remarks, the host, Mr. Ashraf Siddiqui, senior journalist, paid tribute to Ambassador Ridwan Hassan’s contributions to cultural diplomacy and bilateral relations. He thanked the outgoing Ambassador for his openness, professionalism, and friendship, and wished him continued success in his future endeavors.
The event concluded with a traditional Pakistani breakfast, symbolizing hospitality, respect, and lasting friendship.