“The Tale of Ambassador Al-Mouallimi’s Discomfiture at the United Nations with the Syrian Delegate Caused by a Verbal Slip”

During an interview with the Gulf Rotana channel’s “Al-Liwan” program, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Muallami shared an experience in which he embarrassed Syrian delegate Bashar Al-Jaafari at the United Nations due to a “linguistic” mistake. Al-Jaafari had quoted a verse in which he said, “He threw it into the sea, clasping it and told him, ‘Beware, beware of getting wet with water,’ but he did not say it in this way, but rather said it in a way that broke the house.’ However, Al-Muallami politely corrected him and explained that the verse he mentioned was incorrect. This caused the Syrian representative to become angry, prompting Al-Muallami to remind him that the truth is worth following and that there is no need for anger.

Al-Marsad Newspaper: Ambassador Abdullah Al-Muallami recounted a situation in which he embarrassed the Syrian delegate to the United Nations, “Bashar Al-Jaafari” in front of the world because of a “linguistic” error.

He said during an interview with the “Al-Liwan” program broadcast on the Gulf Rotana channel: “On one occasion, Al-Jaafari said, a verse:” He threw it into the sea, clasping it and told him, “Beware, beware of getting wet with water,” but he did not say it in this way, but rather said it in a way that broke him the house.

He added: “When it was my turn to speak, I said at the beginning that I respect Ambassador Bashar al-Jaafari’s linguistic abilities and his literary interests, but I would like to explain to him that the verse he mentioned broke his weight.”

He pointed out that the representative of Syria was angry at the correction, while he tried to make him understand that he was clarifying the matter, and that the truth is more deserving of being followed, and there is nothing to be angry regarding.

In conclusion, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Muallami’s account of his encounter with the Syrian delegate to the United Nations, Bashar Al-Jaafari, serves as a humorous yet insightful reminder of the importance of linguistic accuracy in diplomatic interactions. While the correction may have caused some tension between the two representatives, Al-Muallami’s emphasis on truth and clarity highlights the need for effective communication in international relations. As we navigate an increasingly globalized world, it is crucial to be mindful of how our words may be interpreted by those from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.