Walid Jumblatt Bids Farewell to Russian Diplomat Mikhail Bogdanov After Kremlin Dismissal
In a personal message, Jumblatt honors Bogdanov’s decades-long friendship and diplomatic role in Lebanon and the region.
Watan-Following the issuance of a presidential decree by the Kremlin dismissing prominent Russian diplomat Mikhail Bogdanov from his post, former head of Lebanon’s Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Jumblatt, sent a personal message marked by loyalty and respect.
Jumblatt addressed Bogdanov—who until recently served as Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Envoy to the Middle East and Africa—writing:“Dear friend Mikhail Bogdanov, whatever the changes of time may bring, Mukhtara, the Jumblatt family, and the Socialist Party will never forget your friendship and affection throughout the decades, during both the hardest and the most joyful of times. — Walid and Nora Jumblatt.”
Jumblatt’s message came after the Kremlin officially announced Bogdanov’s dismissal on Wednesday via presidential decree, though no reasons were given, according to Russian agency RIA Novosti.
جنبلاط يُشيد بصداقة بوغدانوف
كتب وليد جنبلاط @walidjoumblatt إلى نائب وزير الخارجية الروسية السابق ميخائيل بوغدانوف:
الصديق ميخائيل بوغدانوف، أياً كانت تقلبات الزمن فإن المختارة وآل جنبلاط والحزب الإشتراكي لن ينسوا صداقتكم ومحبتكم عبر العقود وفي أصعب الظروف وأحلاهاوليد ونورا pic.twitter.com/bW1old3HDC
— Lebanon News 24/24 (@lebanon_news24) July 10, 2025
Bogdanov, 73, began his diplomatic career in 1974. He had served as Deputy Foreign Minister since June 2011, and in October 2014 was appointed as Special Presidential Envoy to the Middle East and Africa. Over the years, he played a key role in managing complex regional files, most notably involving Syria and Lebanon.
The relationship between Jumblatt and Bogdanov spans many years of political engagement during critical regional junctures, including close coordination over sensitive Lebanese and regional issues.
