A get-together was organized in Riyadh by a prominent Pakistani couple Dr. Erum Qalbani and Dr. Mansour Memon to project a soft image of Pakistan and promote interaction between diplomats of various countries.

The event held recently was attended by a large number of ambassadors and other diplomats including Ireland’s Ambassador Niall Holohan, Deputy head of mission at British Embassy Richard Wildash, Japanese Ambassador Jiro Kodero, Singapore Ambassador Lawrence Anderson, Argentina’s Ambassador Sergio Jaime cerda, Maltese Ambassador Martin Velantino, Ambassador of Sweden Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt, Greek Ambassador Ioannis Christofilis, Sri Lankan Ambassador Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, Finland’s Ambassador Pekka Voutilainen and Kenyan Ambassador Mahmoud Ali Saleh.

Irish Ambassador Niall Holohan said Erum and Mansour were doing great service to Pakistan by projecting its brighter side and positive image. He said the couple is probably the only non-diplomatic couple liked and known to the diplomatic community. He said he would remember these events when he goes back to Ireland.

Alauddin Al-Askari, former chief protocol officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said such a reception is a promising social initiative that provides a forum for interaction. He said it is a unique gathering of diplomats outside the diplomatic enclave.

Masood Puri and Abu Bakar Memon, prominent Pakistani businessmen based in Jeddah, also attended the event.

Mansour thanked the guests and said such events provide the opportunity not only to exchange pleasantries but to have discussions on various subjects.