Latest news with #Kuwaiti-French
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Amir's visit to France ‘a historic milestone'
French Ambassador Olivier Gauvin and Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al-Sabah. KUWAIT: French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin described the official visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France as 'a historic milestone that embodies the depth of Kuwaiti-French relations, which span nearly six decades.' Speaking during France's National Day (Bastille Day) reception at the French Embassy in Kuwait, Ambassador Gauvin emphasized the special significance of this year's celebration, which coincides with the Amir's official visit to France on Sunday and Monday. The visit includes His Highness attending the Bastille Day military parade alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, followed by a meeting between the two leaders at the Élysée Palace. The ambassador noted that relations between Kuwait and France are rooted in mutual trust and robust cooperation in security and defense. He pointed to 'the oldest defense agreement signed between France and the Gulf countries in 1992' and highlighted the ongoing military training programs and collaboration between the two nations' armed forces. Gauvin also underscored the interest of French companies in Kuwait's national development plan 'New Kuwait 2035,' and the growing cooperation in key sectors including transport, energy and sustainable cities. He added that Kuwaiti investments in France, particularly in technology and artificial intelligence, continue to expand. On the cultural front, the ambassador commended the strong people-to-people ties, noting that 'France is the top Schengen destination for Kuwaiti tourists' and highlighting the vibrant Francophone presence in Kuwait. He also affirmed his country's commitment to 'increasing the number of Kuwaiti students in French universities and enhancing academic and scientific cooperation.' Expressing appreciation to Kuwait, Gauvin thanked the country for its 'generous hospitality and friendship,' and reaffirmed 'the embassy's commitment to strengthening this distinguished relationship in the service of the interests of both nations and their friendly peoples.'
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
French presidency underscores significance of Amir's official visit
Kuwaiti-French ties marked by strategic partnership and shared vision PARIS: The French Presidency on Sunday affirmed the special significance of the official visit by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France — his first since assuming leadership of the State of Kuwait. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the Elysee Palace stressed that the visit underscores the depth of historical relations and serves to reinforce the longstanding comprehensive partnership between the two friendly nations. The statement highlighted that the visit reflects the mutual desire of both countries to bolster cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including diplomacy, defense, economy, education, health, culture and scientific research. It noted that the visit is rooted in the robust bilateral ties characterized by mutual trust and respect, and represents a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to advancing this strategic partnership. The Elysee added that the visit will also strengthen coordination in addressing regional challenges and will include His Highness the Amir attending the Bastille Day military parade on July 14 alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. His Highness is also scheduled to hold a working luncheon with the French leader at the Elysee Palace. Kuwaiti-French relations, the statement noted, are founded on historic solidarity, with France being among the first countries to recognize Kuwait's independence and offering vital support during the 1991 liberation. This historical support has laid the foundation for enduring political trust and continued high-level engagement between the two nations. The two sides maintain close cooperation in international forums and share converging views on several global issues, particularly on the respect for international law and the promotion of mediation and peaceful conflict resolution. On the economic front, bilateral trade between Kuwait and France reached approximately €2.8 billion (around $3.27 billion) in 2023, with France ranking as Kuwait's fourth-largest trading partner in Europe. French companies maintain a strong presence in Kuwait, particularly in the sectors of infrastructure, energy, and construction. Cultural and educational ties also continue to thrive, with France supporting the French language and culture in Kuwait through institutions such as the French School and the French Institute. More than 1,000 students benefit from joint academic programs, while a growing number of Kuwaiti students pursue higher education in France. In the health sector, leading French medical institutions — including the Gustave Roussy Institute — are contributing to the development of Kuwait's healthcare services through specialized projects and technical consultations, reflecting expanding collaboration in public service and development fields. Relations between Kuwait and France stand as a model of enduring friendship and strong partnership, the Elysee emphasized, noting both nations' mutual commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in a manner that supports regional and global stability. Earlier Sunday, His Highness the Amir departed Kuwait, heading to Paris on an official visit. He is accompanied by an official delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and a number of senior state officials. — KUNA
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Envoy: Amir's visit to France reflects depth of strategic ties
Abdullah Al-Shaheen PARIS: Kuwait's Ambassador to France Abdullah Al-Shaheen affirmed on Sunday the significant political and symbolic importance of the official visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France, underscoring Kuwait's esteemed status with the French leadership. In a statement to KUNA, Ambassador Al-Shaheen said the visit — taking place at the official invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron and coinciding with France's National Day (Bastille Day) celebrations — highlights the deep-rooted and longstanding relations between the two countries. He described the visit as a pivotal milestone in the course of Kuwaiti-French relations, opening new avenues for strategic cooperation and serving as a culmination of years of coordination across various sectors. Ambassador Al-Shaheen emphasized the historical strength of ties between Kuwait and France, built on foundations of mutual respect, trust, and fruitful collaboration. Al-Shaheen noted that over the past six decades, relations between the two nations have seen steady development, forming a successful model of strategic partnership anchored in shared visions. On the economic front, he pointed out that bilateral trade and investment have witnessed tangible growth, driven by mutual interest in expanding cooperation in renewable energy, technology, and the green economy—areas aligned with Kuwait's Vision 2035 development strategy. On the cultural level, the ambassador highlighted the vital role of cultural and academic exchange in strengthening civilizational understanding. He pointed to the ongoing collaboration between Kuwaiti and French educational and cultural institutions as a testament to the value both countries place on such engagement. Ambassador Al-Shaheen concluded by reaffirming the Kuwaiti Embassy's commitment to advancing bilateral ties through the implementation of joint initiatives and programs that reflect the ambitions of both leaderships and serve the mutual interests of the two friendly nations. — KUNA
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait, France ink key declarations
KUWAIT CITY/PARIS, July 14: In the presence of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and President of France Emmanuel Macron, a ceremony was held Monday afternoon at the Elysee Palace in Paris, for the signing of two declarations of intent between Kuwait and France. The first declaration of intent between the two governments is related to the Strategic Investment Partnership for 2025-2035. The second declaration of intent between the two governments is meant to strengthen cooperation in the cultural field and to commemorate, in 2026, the 65th anniversary of the Kuwaiti-French diplomatic relations. The two declarations were signed by Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot. Earlier, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent on Monday a cable to the President of France Emmanuel Macron on the occasion of his country's national day. His Highness the Amir wished President Macron and the people of France more success and development. Similarly, His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent on Monday a cable of congratulations to the President of France Emmanuel Macron on the advent of his country's national day. His Highness Sheikh the Deputy Amir wished the French leadership and people evermore success and progress. His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah also sent on Monday a cable to the President of France Emmanuel Macron, congratulating him on his country's national day. Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and his accompanying delegation attended Monday's Bastille Day military parade in Paris, marking France's National Day and 80 years since World War II, in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron. Participating in the celebration were the Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, along with senior French officials. France celebrated its national holiday (Bastille Day) on Monday with a military parade on the Champs-Elysees, with a wide participation from the French Armed Forces and representatives from several friendly countries. The military parade began at the Arc de Triomphe, the first avenue on the Champs-Elysees, and proceeded to the main stage at the Place de la Concorde. This year's military parade featured more than 7,000 personnel, with 5,600 on foot, along with 100 aircraft, 250 motorized vehicles, and 200 horses from the Republican Guard. The parade also saw a distinguished participation from Indonesia, which attended with a military delegation of more than 400 personnel, as part of strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries. The French Presidential Palace (Elysee) said in a statement that this year's parade coincides with the centenary of the founding of the Bleuettes de France, and the centenary of the flame of the unknown soldier committee, where President Macron presented a new sword in a symbolic gesture honoring the nation's military history. The parade also dedicated a section to honoring the commitment of French youth, a move aimed at strengthening national values and civic spirit among new generations. In honor of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and his accompanying delegation, the President of France Emmanuel Macron held a lunch banquet at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on the occasion of His Highness the Amir's official visit to the country. His Highness the Amir was received by French President Emanuel Macron and greeted the French government's top officials as the French President shook hands with His Highness the Amir's accompanying delegation. Official talks between the two heads of state took place, discussing the long-lasting sturdy ties between the two nations and modes of supporting and developing these relations to serve the nations' best interests. The talks also included negotiations and coordination on issues of common interest, as well as latest developments on regional and international fronts. On Sunday afternoon, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received, at his residence in Paris, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint-Martin and members of the French chamber of commerce. During the meeting, His Highness the Amir underscored the importance of seizing the ample investment opportunities in vital areas and strengthening strategic cooperation with major corporations in the French Republic. He urged greater efforts to transfer know-how and attract more capital to support the national economy, develop the human resources, create more job opportunities for the youth, and enhance development in Kuwait. The meeting gathered, inter alia, Kuwait's Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al- Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, and Director-General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) Sheikh Dr. Meshal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. (KUNA)
Kuwait Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Elysee: Kuwait Amir visit to France embodies deep historical ties
PARIS: The French Presidential Palace (Elysee) affirmed that His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's visit to France embodied the deep historical ties and distinguished partnership between the two friendly countries. The Elysee, in a statement obtained by KUNA, said that this visit, the first by His Highness to France since assuming power, came within the framework of strong relations based on trust and mutual respect. The two sides seek to develop their relations in a way that enhances the strategic partnership in various sectors, including diplomacy, defense, the economy, education, health, culture, and scientific research. The Amir's visit also comes ahead of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and France in 1961, an occasion that affirms the depth of the historical ties between the two countries. His Highness will visit Paris on Sunday and Monday to attend the official military parade marking France's National Day (Bastille Day) on July 14, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, and then the two will meet up at the Elysee Palace for a work lunch. France was among the first countries to support Kuwait's independence and actively contributed to its liberation in 1991, strengthening ties of political trust and laying a solid foundation for growing Kuwaiti-French relations. The two countries are keen to strengthen this relationship through high-level meetings and ongoing cooperation in international forums, where their views converge on many issues, particularly respect for international law and support for mediation and dialogue efforts to resolve disputes peacefully. On the economic front, the amount of trade exchange between the two countries reached approximately EUR 2.8 billion in 2023, with France ranking fourth among Kuwait's European trading partners, with French companies active in the fields of infrastructure, energy, and construction. In the cultural field, France continues to support the French language and culture in Kuwait through the French School and the French Institute, with more than 1,000 students benefitting from joint educational programs, while Kuwaiti students participate in academic and university programs in France. Additionally, French medical institutions such as the Gustave Roussy Institute, contribute to supporting the Kuwaiti health sector through technical consultations and specialized projects. Kuwaiti-French relations are an example of a strong partnership and long-standing friendship, which both sides are keen to continuously develop to enhance bilateral cooperation and support stability in the region and the world. —KUNA
