Samar Yahya Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Lebanese Consul General Ziad Atallah held a farewell ceremony in honor of his US counterpart Anne Casper, who is leaving the Kingdom. Atallah praised the strong relations Casper fostered during her two-year posting in Jeddah. He said: “We gather tonight to bid farewell to a colleague who has exceeded expectations; a friend who has demonstrated genuine capabilities in accumulating much respect and admiration and a diplomat who has worked hard and effectively in boosting her country's relations with the Kingdom on all social, economic and bilateral matters. “We are all here to say to US Consul General Anne Casper that we will miss her and wish her all the deserved luck back home. She exceeded all the expectations and did a great job in representing her country and promoting the culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” US Ambassador Joseph W. Westphal, Lebanese Ambassador Abdel Sattar Issa as well as Lebanese actor Samir Shamas were also at the event. Casper said: “Atallah was surprised about the role a woman could play here. “Jeddah society opens its heart to receive everyone. It is not easy for me to leave and the idea of a farewell party is really touching for me. “One of the most prominent poles of cultures here in the Kingdom is the position given to the family and how it is appreciated.” Westphal said: “We all represent our countries here and the most important is to connect with everyone in your work like diplomats and on a social basis like families, men, women, youths, and Anne is marvelous in dealing with people with passion and love. We are very grateful to you and will miss you too much.” Atallah presented Casper a photo album featuring photos of her at events she attended at the Lebanese Consulate. Atallah invited Casper's friends to sign the album.
