On 28 October, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in The Hague, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen, hosted a farewell ceremony for eight ambassadors concluding their missions in the Netherlands: H.E. Ms. Susannah Hayden Gordon of New Zealand, H.E. Mr. Kairat Abdrakhmanov of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento of Bolivia, H.E. Mr. Mayerfas of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Tareque Muhammad of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Minami of Japan, as well as H.E. Mr. Francis Danti Kotia of Ghana and H.E. Mr. Jian Tan of the People’s Republic of China, who had already departed The Hague.
The gathering, marked by warm camaraderie and mutual respect, brought together colleagues ambassadors from across the diplomatic community to honour the departing envoys for their dedication, achievements, and friendship.
In her welcoming remarks, Ambassador Ghanem highlighted the significance of the occasion:
“We are bidding farewell to remarkable persons who have served with distinction and honour. Each of you has strengthened bilateral ties with the Netherlands and contributed to the objectives of multilateral cooperation. Your presence will be deeply missed.”
H.E. Ms. Susannah Hayden Gordon – New Zealand
Ambassador Ghanem expressed her admiration, saying:
“We will continue having you in another capital, and maybe one day some of us will be in New Zealand. All the best, Excellency — you will be truly missed.”
Ambassador Gordon responded with gratitude and humour:
“It’s always a sad time in a posting when you have to start saying goodbye. I even asked if I could stay longer — my head office laughed and said this is one of the most sought-after ambassadorial positions in the world! It’s such a privilege because here we mix bilateral and multilateral work. The Dutch hosts are warm, and The Hague is a place where things truly get done. I’ll soon head our South and Southeast Asia Division, our busiest in the Foreign Ministry — so not much sleep ahead, but plenty of travel.”
H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Minami – Japan
Ambassador Ghanem recalled the many fond memories shared with Ambassador Minami:
“We will remember your wonderful receptions, your generosity, openness, and availability. You were active both multilaterally and bilaterally — that’s the beauty of this place and the connections you helped create.”
Ambassador Minami reflected on his three years in The Hague:
“This city has a unique atmosphere. It’s a hub for diplomats — a place where work and friendship blend naturally. I’ve enjoyed my time here immensely. After 43 years in the Foreign Ministry, this will be my final assignment before retirement, and I will always cherish the friendships I’ve made.”
H.E. Mr. Tareque Muhammad – Bangladesh
Ambassador Ghanem praised his active engagement:
“Your representation of Bangladesh, your energy, and the strong bonds you’ve built are very much appreciated. We wish you the best in your next chapter.”
Ambassador Muhammad shared:
“I’ve been here just over a year, but it’s been wonderful. Despite the weather, the camaraderie among diplomats keeps us warm — whether at the OPCW, ICC, or ICJ. It’s been an honour to experience both multilateral and bilateral diplomacy in The Hague. As I retire at 60, I take with me great memories — and gratitude for the friendships we’ve built.”
H.E. Mr. Mayerfas – Indonesia
“It has been a privilege to be among friends,” said Ambassador Mayerfas. “I’ve been here for five years — the longest-serving Indonesian ambassador in the Netherlands. It’s a special posting, working seven days a week, especially with our Indonesian diaspora. For us, the Netherlands is not a foreign country; our historical connection runs deep. I thank you all for your cooperation and friendship. If you come to Indonesia, you will always have a friend there.”
H.E. Mr. Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento – Bolivia
The Dean fondly noted:
“You were always active, serious in your work, and a good friend. Few know the Netherlands better than you — and we all thank you, especially for being one of the founders behind the idea of Diplomat Magazine, which continues to serve our community.”
Ambassador Calzadilla reflected:
“We live in turbulent times — of terrorism, lack of values, and uncertainty. Yet our exchanges here have been invaluable. We’ve worked together on vital issues such as climate justice and international law. I thank all my colleagues for your commitment and friendship, and I thank Mayelinne for Diplomat Magazine, which has made our work easier. After 43 years in the foreign service, I’ll now enter a new phase — consulting and teaching. And please, you’ll always have a friend in Bolivia.”
H.E. Mr. Kairat Abdrakhmanov – Kazakhstan
Ambassador Ghanem paid tribute to his distinguished career:
“From lecturer to ambassador, to Foreign Minister, and back to The Hague — your remarkable journey and your warmth as a person have truly impressed us all.”
Ambassador Abdrakhmanov shared his reflections:
“I began my career behind the Iron Curtain, and what a transformation it has been. Yet today we see new walls emerging. Still, I remain optimistic — with knowledge and dialogue, we can overcome barriers. I’ve visited 57 states during my time here and learned that diplomacy is the best way to prevent conflict. Let’s continue giving power to diplomats rather than generals. I look forward to serving again in Europe — you’ll have a friend there, and always in Kazakhstan.”
Ambassador Ghanem presented flowers to each of the departing envoys, expressing gratitude for their friendship and service. As the formal proceedings concluded, guests then enjoyed a warm and relaxed time together — a fitting farewell to a remarkable group of ambassadors whose dedication has left a lasting mark on The Hague’s diplomatic community.
