Latest news with #FrancophonieMonth
Arab Times
23-04-2025
- Science
- Arab Times
Failaka Island: A timeless witness to regional human history
KUWAIT CITY, April 23: French archaeologist Jean-Michel Gillain emphasized on Tuesday the historical significance of Failaka Island in the region's human history, noting that international missions continue to uncover archaeological sites across the island, some dating back approximately 4,000 years. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Gillain made these remarks on the sidelines of a lecture on the archaeological history of Failaka Island. The lecture was part of the Francophonie Month events, currently being hosted in Kuwait until the end of April. He explained that various international archaeological teams, in cooperation with relevant Kuwaiti authorities, have been discovering sites on the island that date back to both the Bronze Age and the Hellenistic period. Gillain pointed out that the discovery of freshwater wells on the island suggests that humans have inhabited Failaka since ancient times. Additionally, the presence of ports and fortified castles highlights the island's strategic role as a hub of control and influence—commercially, militarily, and politically—particularly during the Greek era. He further noted that one of the unique aspects of Failaka Island is that a significant portion of its land is dedicated to scientific research and archaeological exploration. The island contains rich, layered relics from various historical periods. Gillain also praised the State of Kuwait for its strong support and interest in hosting international archaeological missions. He acknowledged the contributions of Kuwaiti archaeological researcher Shihab Al-Shihab, who collaborated extensively with numerous missions, especially French and Danish teams. One of the most notable artifacts unearthed on Failaka is the Icarus inscription. Discovered during the early stages of exploration in 1960, this important artifact was recently added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, underlining its global cultural significance.
Arab Times
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Cultural diplomacy on display as Francophonie celebrations begin
KUWAIT CITY, April 14: The Francophonie Month commenced with a series of cultural activities conducted in the French language and it will continue until the end of April, with the participation of 44 diplomatic missions in the country. French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin commended the bilateral relations between Kuwait and France, describing such relations as excellent. He also highlighted the historical context of this relationship, as well as the commonalities and cooperative endeavors of both countries. Asked about the prospective official visits between the two nations, he stated that plans are underway to arrange visits by French dignitaries in order to strengthen bilateral ties. On the possibility of President Emmanuel Macron visiting Kuwait, Gauvin is hoping this will happen. He affirmed that President Macron extended an invitation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah, and that an initial acceptance has been received. 'Efforts are being made through diplomatic channels to finalize the date for this visit, preferably before the end of the year,' he revealed. He also affirmed an upcoming meeting with the Minister of Defense to discuss military and security cooperation. Citing a prior meeting with the Minister of Education when the expansion of French language education was discussed, he confirmed the desire of the minister to expand French language instruction. He also announced the inauguration of an international French-language baccalaureate program in French high schools this September. He then expressed his aspiration for Kuwait to be a member of the International Organization of La Francophonie, considering the substantial number of French speakers in here and the extensive teaching of French in educational institutions. Meanwhile, Belgian Ambassador to Kuwait Christian Dooms lauded the role of Kuwait in promoting cultural awareness and embracing diverse cultures. He is hoping that Kuwait will join the International Organization of La Francophonie; especially since there are half a million French speakers in Kuwait and 1,400 teachers in the public and private sectors are teaching French to 45,000 students. He emphasized the value of cultural events in fostering dialogue, citing Belgium's early recognition of the independence of Kuwait in 1961 and the historic visit of HH the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad to Paris in 1969, which marked a significant point in Kuwaiti-French relations.
National News
15-03-2025
- Politics
- National News
Six European & Arab ambassadors visit Tripoli, tour its old souks on occasion of Francophonie Month
NNA - The Cultural Committee of the Municipality of Tripoli, in cooperation with the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), organized Saturday a tour of Tripoli's old souks to discover the city's treasures and history, marking the Francophonie Month. The tour began at the Rashid Karami Municipal Cultural Center, with the participation of six ambassadors from France, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Armenia. Partaking in the tour was also the Regional Director of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), Jean-Noël Ballieu, and the representative of the International Association of La Francophonie (OIF), Levon Amirjanian, alongside the deans and directors of most universities operating in the North (Lebanese, Balamand, Jesuit, Arab, and Lebanese-French) and several students and civil society activists. In a welcoming word, Francophone Digital Center Director Ziad Naja spoke about the Francophone activities organized in Tripoli and Lebanon. Ballieu, in turn, gave a briefing about the AUF and Amirjanian spoke about the OIF. French Ambassador Hervé Magro then addressed the attendees on behalf of the partaking Francophone ambassadors. He touched on Tripoli's "historic relations with France and the positive change taking place in Lebanon and the region," emphasizing "standing by the city and supporting it at this stage." For his part, the Mayor of Tripoli Riad Yamak welcomed the attendees and spoke about the values of Ramadan and the city's transformation during this holy month. He also touched on Tripoli's history, its pioneering and cultural role, and the capabilities and facilities it possesses that can improve the Lebanese economy as a whole. The Mayor also spoke about the city's decline after independence and the injustice it suffered at the hands of the Lebanese state and its authorities.
