New Ambassadors from Cuba, Korea, and Djibouti Present Credentials to Singapore's President

In separate ceremonies at the Istana, three new ambassadors from Cuba, Korea, and Djibouti officially presented their credentials to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

On the 9th of January 2024, a significant diplomatic event took place at the Istana, the official residence of the President of Singapore. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam received credentials from the new ambassadors of Cuba, the Republic of Korea, and the Republic of Djibouti in separate ceremonies. These appointments signify a continued strengthening of diplomatic relations between Singapore and these nations.

HER EXCELLENCY LISBET QUESADA LUNA
AMBASSADOR TO SINGAPORE
REPUBLIC OF CUBA

Ambassador Quesada Luna joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba in 2002. Prior to her appointment as Ambassador of Cuba to Singapore, she served in the Asia and Oceania Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba.

Ambassador Quesada has extensive experience in diplomacy, specializing in the Asia and Oceania region. She formerly served as the Consul-General in Shanghai and as Deputy Head of Mission in the Embassy of Cuba in Beijing.

Ambassador Quesada graduated from the University of Havana with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Politics and International Relations at the Raúl Roa García Higher Institute of International Relations in Havana, Cuba.

She is married and has a daughter.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore

HIS EXCELLENCY HONG JIN-WOOK
AMBASSADOR TO SINGAPORE
REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Ambassador Hong Jin-wook is a career diplomat with almost 30 years of experience.

Prior to his appointment as Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to Singapore, Ambassador Hong was the Special Government Representative for Africa. Ambassador Hong also served as ROK Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt from 2020 to 2023, and had overseas postings at the Embassies of the ROK to Belgium, Italy, Kenya, and New Zealand, and at the Permanent Mission of the ROK to the European Union. At the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hong was the Deputy Director-General and subsequently Director-General for African and Middle Eastern Affairs, as well as the Director for Public Diplomacy. He also served as Assistant Secretary for Foreign Affairs at the Office of the President.

Ambassador Hong graduated from Seoul National University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1988 and obtained a Master of Arts in Economics from Yonsei University in 1990, as well as a Master of Pacific International Affairs from University of California in 1998.

Ambassador Hong was awarded the Service Merit Medal in 2012 in recognition of his public service. He is married with one son and one daughter.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore

HIS EXCELLENCY IBRAHIM BILEH DOUALEH
AMBASSADOR TO SINGAPORE
REPUBLIC OF DJIBOUTI

Ambassador Ibrahim Bileh Doualeh started his four-decade career in Djibouti’s civil service with the Ministry of Finance and the Economy responsible for Industry in 1983. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1993 and served at the Embassies of Djibouti in Eritrea (1993 – 1999) and Japan (2000 – 2014).

From July 2014 to August 2021, he was Ambassador to Morocco, and concurrently non-resident Ambassador to three West African countries: Senegal (2015 – 2021), Cote d’Ivoire (2017 – 2021), and Guinea (2019 – 2021). He has been Ambassador to Japan since 27 October 2021.

Ambassador Ibrahim Bileh Doualeh studied public finance, social economics, and international business communication. He has three children.