Abdallah Al-Mouallimi: Saudi Arabia Stood Steadfast during ‘Arab Debacle’
What happened in the Arab region in 2011 was a decline in the economic, cultural and social standards of the Arab world. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia stood steadfast to express its point of view to maintain the region’s stability and overcome what he described as the period of Arab decline, said Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, Saudi ambassador and diplomat. At that time, Saudi Arabia was an example of stability to the Arabs everywhere.
Al-Mouallimi said that 12 years of his work as Saudi Arabia’s representative to the United Nations coincided with one of the most challenging stages that the Arab region went through.
Proud Servant of Saudi Arabia
“I am a soldier to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. I will serve this dear country anywhere,” he said.
Al-Mouallimi expressed his pleasure to represent Saudi Arabia in the most important international forums, armed with the rhetoric, dialogue and strong argumentation skills, to express the Saudi point of view. He stressed that it is “a unique and rich experience and it has a lasting effect even after ending this chapter of my diplomatic journey.”
“I am happy with this opportunity, with the confidence of the generous Saudi leadership, with His Highness Prince Saud Al-Faisal choosing me to represent my country, spending 12 years at the United Nations. I am satisfied that I ended the mission successfully before handing it over to the best Saudi diplomats there.”
He talked about a number of encounters with late Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal. For instance, he asked him for advice before starting the mission. Prince Saud told him, “Send a wise man, do not recommend him.” He expressed his pride in the honor of bearing this trust and responsibility. He always prayed to conduct this mission as required.
Abdallah Al-Mouallimi’s Childhood
The diplomat recalled his experience-packed educational and diplomatic journey in a seminar on “Life in Diplomacy” at the Riyadh International Book Fair. In an interview with Journalist Hadi AlFakeeh, he recalled experiences and moments of his educational journey in the American city of Oregon. He talked about his career and diplomatic duties, a decade of which he spent as a representative of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations.
Giving a glimpse of his earlier life, the ambassador recalled a part of his childhood in Al-Qunfudhah Governorate, his birthplace, explaining, “My mother had a great impact on my life. My father taught me how to read and write. My mother’s passion for knowledge and science was the drive for her children’s obtaining higher degrees in science and knowledge.”
He added, “My mother was imbued with village characteristics, as she is from Al-Dara village on the outskirts of Abha. At that time, my father was extremely busy with his work in the military, so my mother dedicated all her time to educate, encourage and train us to manage the battles of life. Despite his upbringing and lifelong military career, my father was more diplomatic than my mother, who was an example of strictness. Their shared common ground was encouraging us to read and seek knowledge.”
In response to the conventional question about wishes asked to children, the yet-to-be diplomat used to give an unconventional answer expressing his wish to be an ambassador. A wish that came true decades later. He became Saudi Arabia’s ambassador, blessed with the leadership’s trust. He spent years working as an ambassador to Belgium, the European Union, NATO and Luxembourg then finally at the United Nations which is everyone’s desire at the diplomatic corps.
Soldier in Diplomatic Arenas
Al-Mouallimi revealed that he is working on publishing a book that recounts his memoirs and memories during his educational and practical life. He noted that he will publish his book within months and, so it may be up for discussion at Riyadh Book Fair in the next session. The book is entitled «Soldier Son of Soldier in the Field of Global Diplomacy».
