RIYADH: A farewell ceremony for the outgoing ambassadors of Australia, Cyprus, Hungry and Mexico took place at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter on Monday.

The event was hosted by the dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, who commended the envoys’ service, commitment and contribution to diplomacy at both bilateral and multilateral level.

“During their tenure they did a good job, serving to expand bilateral relations between their countries and Saudi Arabia to new horizons of success and prosperity. I would like to extend them all the best in their life and future endeavors," said Bamakhrama, who is also the Djibouti ambassador.

He mentioned his involvement with them at occasions such as meeting the Riyadh governor during the holy month of Ramadan, adding: “It was good sharing memories with you, we will miss you.”

Mexican ambassador Anibal Gomez Toledo thanked the dean and the Saudi government for their support during his time in the Kingdom.

“You have been very supportive, and a good friend. It has been an honor for me to be here with you all,” he said, praising the warm Saudi hospitality he had enjoyed.

“I think the Middle East has been a very humanitarian experience for me,” he said, adding the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 was an inspiration to many other countries.

Australian ambassador Mark Donovan said he had enjoyed his time in Riyadh and the good relationships he had experienced.

“It was always very professional and very polite. I consider myself lucky to be here,” he said.

“So my whole experience was pleasant. I will miss the Saudi hospitality, the warmth of working here with you all. Technology today allows us to keep in touch much easier than it did 30 years ago — I’m on Facebook, anybody can find me. I wish you all the best.”

Cypriot ambassador Alexis Phedonos-Vadet said: “I am very grateful to be with you all (in) such a wonderful place with wonderful people. Me and my wife thank you all for the support, friendship and cooperation. It has been an incredible journey.”

Hungary’s ambassador, Balazs Selmeci, said he appreciated the opportunity to get together with everyone before saying goodbye to the Kingdom.

“It really has been a privilege to be a part of what has happened here, the ongoing transformation. There are going to be some good times.”

He also thanked Saudi Arabia for supporting and helping countries evacuating citizens from Sudan. Both Saudi citizens and the nationals of other friendly countries were evacuated in mid-2023, with Royal Saudi Navy vessels and Royal Saudi Air Force planes playing a key part.

Also attending the farewell ceremony were the heads of various missions, ambassadors and other Saudi officials.