Ambassadors Ahmed Mostafa Abdelaal Mohamed and Kateryna Zelenko reflected on diplomatic service.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Agustín García-López Loaeza of Mexico, hosted a Diplomatic Farewell Reception on Friday, 25 September 2026, in honour of Ambassador Ahmed Mostafa Abdelaal Mohamed of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Ambassador Kateryna Zelenko of Ukraine, who were departing Singapore. The reception was held at the Presidential Suite, Valley Wing, Shangri-La Singapore, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, with members of the diplomatic community and representatives of the Singapore Government in attendance.
The reception provided an opportunity to recognise the ambassadors’ service in Singapore and for colleagues and friends to convey their appreciation before their departure. In his remarks, Ambassador Ahmed Mostafa Abdelaal Mohamed reflected on his three-year tenure as Egypt’s Ambassador to Singapore and his longstanding connection with the country.
“After three years, only three years, this time of representing my country in this remarkable nation, it is not easy to find the right words to say farewell,” he said, expressing gratitude for the friendships developed during his posting.
Ambassador Ahmed also spoke about the importance of friendship in diplomatic work, saying, “I also believe that diplomacy, as we were saying, is about people, about building bridges, creating understanding, developing friendships and bringing nations closer together.”
He recalled that his relationship with Singapore began around 25 years ago, when he first served as deputy ambassador, and said that returning as ambassador was a return to a country that had become familiar to him and his family. He also thanked colleagues for their support and friendship, adding that he hoped to return to Singapore in the future with his family as a visitor.
Ambassador Kateryna Zelenko also reflected on her diplomatic service and the relationships developed during her time in Singapore. In her remarks, she highlighted the importance of support and solidarity in diplomatic work, particularly during difficult circumstances.
The reception concluded with expressions of appreciation to both ambassadors for their service and contributions to the diplomatic community in Singapore. The occasion also provided an opportunity for colleagues to wish them well as they prepared to leave the country.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
