Columbian Ambassador is new Dean of Diplomatic Corps

By Iddi Yire/Yaw Ansah, GNA

Accra, July 3, GNA - Mrs Claudia Turbay Quintero, the Columbian Ambassador to Ghana, on Tuesday took over as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Ghana from Mr Bernard Ehui-Koutoua, outgoing Ambassador of the Ivory Coast.

The handing over ceremony took place in Accra at a cocktail reception organised by Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in honour of Mr Ehui-Koutoua and Mr Mohammed Hussain AI-Failokawi, outgoing Ambassador of the State of Kuwait.

This was in recognition of the duo’s outstanding performance during their duty tour of the country

The diplomatic corps refers to the collective body of foreign diplomats accredited to a particular country or body.

As Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Mrs Quintero's new role would include representing the entire diplomatic corps on matters that affect the corps as a whole, although this function is rarely formalized.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, an elated Mrs Quintero expressed gratitude to her colleagues for the honour done her.

"I appreciate with humility the sense of responsibility in this new role. And I have deep feeling of love, because I love Ghana and I love my country," she stated.

"I will do my best to serve the interest of all diplomats."

Madam Botchwey said Mr Ehui-Koutoua and Mr AI-Failokawi had all served their countries with distinction here in Ghana and had contributed tremendously to the deepening and widening of the relations between their respective countries and Ghana.

“Thus, as these two distinguished diplomats bid farewell to Ghana, it is only proper that I hold this reception in their honour,” she said.

“It is to celebrate them and their achievements during their tenures as representatives of their respective countries in Ghana; and I must add that they have indeed been worthy representatives.”

She urged the duo to be proud of their achievements here in Ghana and to take along with them the memorable experiences of their time in Ghana.

“As you depart Ghana, let me on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, wish you and your families well in your endeavours and in whichever part of the globe you next find yourselves,” she said.

Mr Ehui-Koutoua lauded Ghana for the honour done them, stating that at the moment of his departure; he looks forward to deepen the relations between his country and Ghana.

Mr Al-Failakawi, who expressed his appreciation to the Minister for the honour done him, also praised the good relations and cooperation that now existed between Kuwait and Ghana.

GNA

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