Farewells for outgoing envoys in full swing

Islamabad
While private farewells for departing envoys remain in full swing even up to six weeks before the envoys leave, the official farewell by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps makes their departure final.
To bid farewell to the Ambassador of the Czech Republic, Miroslav Krenek; Ambassador of Spain, Javier Carbajosa and Ambassador of the USA, Richard Olson, the Dean, Ambassador of Argentina, Rodolfo Martin-Saravia hosted a reception which was attended by most of their senior colleagues or their representatives and heads of other organisations that are an unofficial part of the diplomatic group. Director General (Americas) MFA, Syed Zulfqar Gardezi was also present.
Addressing the gathering the Dean said all three envoys had shown a great deal of initiative in improving ties with Pakistan, then went on to say a few words about each of them. About the Czech couple he said they were quiet but always pleasant and were well liked by all who knew them and concluded by wishing both of them all the best on his retirement. About the Spanish envoy he said he was a good friend from whom he had learned a lot because his knowledge of the region was amazing. He concluded by congratulating him as was going home to hold an important position. About his US colleague he said he had served in Pakistan during difficult times but handled affairs well, initiating different plans that would hopefully work and be good for the region. He concluded by joking that it was a big secret as to where the ambassador was going but wished him well for the future.
In his response Ambassador Krenek thanked the Dean and his colleagues, adding that though it had been difficult at times his nearly nine years had been interesting and memorable. Ambassador Carbajosa said he had always maintained that Pakistan was a misunderstood country and he was happy to share his knowledge of the land and the region. He concluded by thanking the Dean and his colleagues for their cooperation and

friendship.
Ambassador Olson began by thanking his colleagues for their messages and clarifying that the incident of a US embassy driver being killed was only a robbery gone wrong and had no other implications. He then said it was no secret as to where he was going — after thirty three years in the service he was seeking retirement but there was no information on that as yet and he did not know exactly when he would be leaving, then thanked his colleagues for their help and cooperation. All three envoys had high words of praise for the Dean and how he had brought life and purpose to the important office that looks after the affairs of the diplomatic community.
There was much laughter and bonhomie during the speeches as those with a sense of humour made wisecracks or joked about the status of their departing colleagues, after which gifts of traditional Pakistani handicraft were presented on behalf of all the ambassadors and high commissioners. The ceremony concluded with the introduction of the new envoys — Ambassador of Germany, Ina Lepel, has returned to Pakistan after six years to her first ambassadorial position. She speaks Urdu and is familiar with Pakistan and the region; the ambassador of Brazil, Claudio Raja Gabaglia Lins and the Charge d’Affaires of Portugal, Joan Paulo Sabido Costa.