The Australian Business Summit Council Inc. brought together more than 100 guests from across the diplomatic, business, and community spheres for its “Connect & Cheers. An Evening of Business and Diplomacy” at The Langham Hotel on 7 August 2025. The event blended cultural exchange, networking, and economic diplomacy in one of Sydney’s most prestigious settings.
Presiding over the evening, ABSC Inc. President Dr Frank Alafaci welcomed guests with humour, calling it “the most productive excuse to enjoy a cocktail this side of Sydney Harbour.” He said the purpose was to offer a space where diplomatic and professional communities could connect in a more informal yet purposeful way.
Ambassadors, senior diplomats, trade officials, and business leaders from around the world attended. Among them were His Excellency Mr Ali Saad M.H. Al-Hajri, Ambassador of the State of Qatar, Mr Saston Machigere, Deputy Ambassador of Zimbabwe, Mr Milan Vagner, Minister/Counsellor of the Czech Republic, and Dr Alejandro Rivera Becerra, Counsellor for Economic Affairs from Mexico.
Consuls General from the Russian Federation, Italy, Romania, Thailand, and New Zealand were present, alongside Deputy Consuls General from China, Thailand, and Egypt. Officials from the United States, France, Argentina, Greece, Malaysia, Turkey, Botswana, Qatar, and South Korea added to the mix, joined by Honorary Consuls from Uganda, Nepal, and El Salvador. Local government was represented by Councillor Sylvia Alafaci and Councillor Mas Meuross from the City of Canada Bay.
Notable business figures included Michael Azzi, President of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, Dr Joseph Rizk AM, CEO of Arab Bank Australia Ltd, Michael Rizk OAM from the Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce, Richard Yuan of the Australia China Entrepreneurs Club, John Jiang of the Australian Dongbei Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and Dr Patricia Jenkings from the United Nations Association of Australia (NSW Division).
Dr Alafaci said the concept came from conversations with diplomats and professionals who wanted more accessible, relationship-driven events. “Consuls General often receive formal invitations and headlines,” he said, “but it is the wider diplomatic and professional community that deserves more opportunities to engage informally—thoughtfully, purposefully, and without the weight of protocol.”
Describing the night as “a gentle diplomatic revolution”, he said the combination of soft jazz, fine canapés, and open conversation provided the ideal setting for future collaborations.
He also outlined ABSC Inc.’s work as Australia’s premier multisector international trade council, which connects businesses, diplomats, policymakers, investors, and thought leaders through events ranging from expos to boardrooms. The council also publishes EKONOMOS, an international business affairs magazine featuring contributions from ambassadors and global executives. Dr Alafaci thanked business guests who purchased tickets, recognising their role in strengthening ties between diplomacy and commerce.
The Langham’s refined atmosphere encouraged guests to step outside familiar circles, engage in new discussions, and consider fresh opportunities for cooperation. The evening balanced high-level talks with personal exchanges, underscoring the value of face-to-face contact in a digital age.
Many guests expressed hope that “Connect & Cheers” would become a fixture on Sydney’s business and diplomatic calendar. The gathering showed that diplomacy and commerce can intersect in ways that are both dynamic and centred on human connection, with ABSC Inc. reaffirming its role as a bridge between diverse communities in a fast-changing world.
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