A Ceremony of Merit to honour the Ambassador of Tanzania in the Netherlands and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps H.E. Ms Irene Florence Mkwawa Kasyanju.
The ceremony was held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague on 21 June 2022. Diplomat Magazine presented a Certificate of Merit to H.E. Irene Florence kwawa Kasyanju, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania in recognition of her outstanding contribution to strengthening Tanzania’s bilateral ties with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and for promoting strategic diplomatic engagement.
Further, for her significant involvement with international organizations, for her exceptional performance during her stint as Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, for supporting the Dutch-Tanzanian community and in gratitude for her support to the diplomatic community at large and the Media.
On the program, rendition of Tanzania National Anthem Mungu ibariki Afrika, followed by the Netherlands’ National Anthem, Wilhelmus. Eulogiums were delivered by Her Excellency, Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen and by Her Excellency, Odette Melono, Deputy Director General of the OPCW. Both ladies lauded the wonderful and altruistic personality of Ambassador Irene Mkwawa Kasyanju and how pleasurable it has been to work with her.
Dr Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher of Diplomat Magazine presented the Certificate of Merits along with a flower bouquet to the departing Ambassador.
In her acceptance speech Ambassador Irene kwawa Kasyanju, noted, time flies fast. “In October 2015 I set foot in this beautiful country to serve as Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania in the Netherlands. Less did I know that I would stay for 6 years and 8 months! My successful discharges would not have been possible without the unwavering support I received from the Diplomatic Corps, the Dutch government and the business community.”
“I am indebted to many individuals, companies, and organizations for supporting me during my time here in the Netherlands. I am equally grateful to my colleagues from the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Kingdom of the Netherlands as well as several media channels such as Diplomat Magazine for their support.”
“I wish to end my remarks with a note that I came here as a stranger, but I am leaving as a friend and family. Bidding farewells to friends and family is never easy, but life has its destiny too. I will always treasure our friendship and those good memories of this splendid country.”
Dozens of Ambassador Mkwawa Kasyanju’s colleagues and friends came by to say goodbye and offered her gifts and flower bouquets. Among the attendees’ Ambassadors and diplomats from Palestine, Yemen, Morocco, Tunisia, Cuba, Burundi, South Africa, Algeria, Egypt, OPCW, diplomats from Nigeria and Vietnam, families and staffers of the embassy of Tanzania.
Diplomat Magazine thanked Leonardo Royal Hotel for their valuable and constant support in making this event possible and for their continuous collaboration in Diplomat Magazine’s events. The ceremony concluded with a reception and savouring a stylish cake in the Tanzanian national colours made by Marta Orban, from Sweet & Spice.
Certificate of Merit – Ceremony of Merit- Farewell ceremony
