Diplomacy is the art and practice of building and maintaining relationships between countries using tact and mutual respect. Diplomats are born, not made’. In essence, diplomacy is often perceived as a career embedded in one’s DNA. Legendary diplomat Khawaja Muhammad Kaiser, popularly known as KMK was a born diplomat, an exemplary figure for aspiring diplomats. Born in Ahsan Manzil, the ancestral home of the Dhaka Nawabs, where the Muslim League (the political party which led the independence movement for Pakistan) was formed in 1906 under the guidance and assistance of the then Nawab of Dhaka (now capital of Bangladesh), Khawaja Salimullah, KMK’s diplomatic journey is nothing short of astonishing.
KMK was a career diplomat whose last assignment, during his Pakistan days between 1969 and 1972, was as the ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. He played a vital role in arranging Henry Kissinger’s first-ever secret visit to China. This period marked a significant year of reconciliation in diplomacy, known as Triangular Diplomacy, which aimed at achieving a balance of power and pursuing détente with both the Soviet Union and China.
In July 1971, President Nixon’s National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger secretly visited Beijing during a trip to Pakistan, laying the groundwork for Nixon’s visit to China. This meeting was arranged and facilitated by Pakistan through its strong diplomatic channels with China, and it was KMK who not only transmitted messages but also convinced Zhou Enlai to meet Kissinger.
KMK enjoyed exceptional personal relations with the then Prime Minister Zhou Enlai, a relationship built on personal understanding. Their bond began when the Chinese Prime Minister, feeling feverish during a performance by a Pakistani troupe, accepted KMK’s overcoat. The following day, Zhou Enlai personally visited KMK’s home to return the overcoat, marking the start of a lifelong friendship. When KMK decided to return to his birthplace, Dhaka with all the Bengali officers in the Pakistan Embassy, Premier Zhou Enlai readily allowed it. Unlike other Bangladeshi diplomats who defected secretly, KMK did so with full protocol from the Chinese government.
KMK, who had managed the transmission of messages between the US and China, defected under Zhou Enlai’s protection and became the most senior officer when Bangladesh formed its foreign service. Before his tenure in China as the ambassador of Bangladesh, he also served as the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh at the United Nations. Upon his arrival in New York in late 1976, a meeting with the then UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim was arranged. Despite a detailed four-page brief prepared for the meeting, KMK asked for a brief about Waldheim’s family instead. His staff was perplexed, but KMK’s tactic paid off. The meeting, which was scheduled for 15 minutes, extended over an hour and included two rounds of coffee, as KMK and Waldheim bonded over discussions about their children.
KMK’s career exemplifies the essence of diplomacy as both an art and a practiced skill. His unique approach to building personal relationships and his key role in significant diplomatic events underscore the profound impact a skilled diplomat can have on international relations. His legacy serves as a testament to the importance of personal connections and mutual respect in diplomacy, proving that while some may believe diplomats are ‘born’, there is no substitute for the dedication and skill that define a truly great diplomat.
KMK’s legacy in diplomacy is profound and multifaceted. His career highlights the importance of personal relationships in international diplomacy. By fostering a deep, personal connection with Zhou Enlai, KMK was able to facilitate major diplomatic negotiations that shaped the geopolitical landscape of the time. His ability to connect on a personal level with influential figures underscores a fundamental aspect of diplomacy: the human element.
His role in the secret visit of Henry Kissinger to China was a cornerstone of the policy of détente, which sought to ease the hostile relations between the US, the Soviet Union, and China. This visit not only marked the beginning of a new era in US-China relations but also paved the way for subsequent diplomatic engagements that reshaped global politics.
KMK’s diplomatic defection to Bangladesh under the full protocol of the Chinese government is a testament to his exceptional standing and the respect he commanded on the international stage. Unlike many of his contemporaries who defected in secrecy, KMK’s defection was a celebrated event, highlighting his diplomatic acumen and the strong relationships he had built. His defection, along with all the Bengali members of the Pakistan mission in China, was a significant event in the history of Bangladesh’s foreign service, establishing a foundation of experienced diplomats for the newly formed nation.
KMK’s approach to his first meeting with UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim is another example of his unique diplomatic style. By focusing on personal connections rather than sticking strictly to protocol, he was able to build a rapport with Waldheim that extended beyond mere formalities. This tactic, which seemed unorthodox to his staff, proved to be highly effective, demonstrating that understanding and connecting on a personal level can often yield better results in diplomacy than rigid adherence to protocol.
Khawaja Muhammad Kaiser’s diplomatic career serves as an enduring example of how personal relationships, strategic acumen, and a deep understanding of international dynamics are essential to effective diplomacy. His legacy illustrates that while some may view diplomats as “born,” the true mark of a great diplomat lies in their ability to navigate complex political landscapes, build enduring personal relationships, and advance their nation’s interests through skillful negotiation and mutual respect. KMK’s contributions to diplomacy continue to inspire future generations of diplomats, reminding them of the power of personal connection and the art of diplomacy.