Latest news with #MeshalAl-AhmadAl-JaberAl-Sabah
Kuwait Times
6 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
Arab Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
French envoy lauds Kuwait-France relations at National Day reception
KUWAIT CITY, July 14: French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin has affirmed the depth and strength of relations between France and Kuwait, praising the official visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Paris. Gauvin made the statement during a reception on the occasion of the French National Day -- Bastille Day, with Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and several heads of diplomatic missions in attendance. He described the visit of HH the Amir as 'a milestone in the history of bilateral relations. We are celebrating an exceptional moment, as the celebration of France's National Day coincides with the visit of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait to France. He was received yesterday at a military parade on the Champs-Élysées, followed by a luncheon hosted by President Emmanuel Macron. The visit is a milestone in the history of relations between the two countries -- spanning nearly 65 years, and its 65th anniversary will be celebrated in 2026. France and Kuwait are linked by a historic alliance based on trust and mutual respect.' He pointed out that political cooperation witnessed a strong boost over the past year, particularly with the visit of the French Foreign Minister to Kuwait last April, to enhance coordination on regional crises, at a time Kuwait occupies the presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). He said 'France and Kuwait share a commitment to multilateralism, peace and international solidarity. We are pleased to work together on development and humanitarian projects that reflect Kuwait's exemplary humanitarian commitment.' He pointed out that France has been a steadfast ally of Kuwait since the Iraqi invasion, as their armies fought side by side in the liberation war. He said the 1992 defense agreement with Kuwait was the first such agreement signed by Paris in the Gulf. He added that joint training exercises such as 'Pearl of the West' and 'Arab Breeze' embody the vitality of defense cooperation between the two countries. He also praised the training programs received by Kuwaiti officers in France. He cited the growing interest of French companies in investing in Kuwait in light of the 'Kuwait 2035' vision; particularly in the fields of transportation, sustainable energy, smart cities and health. He also welcomed the growing interest of Kuwaiti investors in development opportunities in France, specifically in the fields of artificial intelligence and technology. He stressed that France has become the primary destination for foreign investment in Europe. He confirmed that France remains the primary destination for Kuwaiti tourism within the Schengen Area, praising the country's active Francophone community. He reviewed the most prominent events held during Francophonie Month; such as concerts, film screenings, poetry evenings and debates; commending His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al- Mohammad Al-Sabah's support for these activities. He lauded the initiatives to strengthen academic relations, through the establishment of the Sorbonne Association under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Nasser Al-Sabah. He said this will provide a platform for exchange between students, researchers and professors. He expressed his hope for increasing the number of Kuwaiti students in France, especially in innovation specializations like artificial intelligence, technology, engineering and management.
Arab Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Amir begins historic France visit
PARIS, July 13: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, accompanied by an official delegation, arrived in France on Sunday for an official visit. His Highness the Amir was received upon arrival at the airport by Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al- Awadhi, Kuwait's Ambassador to France Abdullah Al-Shaheen, the head of security and safety of Paris airports, Stephane Daguin, the French Embassy's Military Attache to Kuwait Colonel Francois Dickes, along with the Kuwaiti Embassy staff and heads of affiliated and technical offices accredited in the French capital, Paris. His Highness the Amir is accompanied by an official delegation that includes 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. Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and several senior state officials. The visit by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France will be of great importance, adding to the illustrious ties linking the two countries, said Kuwait Ambassador to France Abdullah Al-Shaheen on Sunday. Speaking to KUNA, Al-Shaheen affirmed that the visit, upon the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, would explore more venues of cooperation, solidifying the six-decade strategic partnership and shared vision of both countries. The visit also comes at a time when France is celebrating its national day on July 14, he added, noting that it would exemplify the strength of ties and eagerness to open new horizons of cooperation. The Kuwaiti diplomat affirmed that commercial and economic relations had expanded, especially within renewable energy, technology, and green economy, domains that were in line with Kuwait's development vision 2035. He also stressed that cultural and scientific exchange had increased within recent years, asserting that the Kuwaiti embassy in France would carry on its missions to bring both countries closer in terms of mutual interests and benefits. Meanwhile, 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 as the two countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of their relations in 2026, 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)
Kuwait Times
7 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
Kuwait Times
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait-French relations span decades, cover various sectors
KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is scheduled to begin an official visit to the friendly Republic of France on Sunday. It is His Highness the Amir's first such visit to the European nation and comes to mark leaders of the two countries' keenness on cementing and developing these ties at various levels. The French-Kuwaiti relations date back to August 28, 1961, when Paris assigned its Beirut ambassador as envoy to Kuwait and established commercial representation in the Gulf State before establishing the diplomatic ties with Kuwait in relations, over the past seven decades, developed in all fields, culminating with Paris' stand of support for Kuwait in 1990 when the late president Francois Mitterrand declared, on August 26, 1990, that the sovereignty of Kuwait is non-negotiable and dispatched some 18,000 troops to the region to partake in liberating the country. Senior leaders and officials of the two countries, since establishing the relations, have reciprocated visits. The late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah had visited France several times, lastly in September 1989, when he held talks with the officials in Paris on promoting the bilateral relations in diverse sectors. The late Amir Sheikh Jaber had later visited France in October 1990, during the flagrant Iraqi occupation of the country, and in October 1991 to express gratitude and appreciation of the French support for the just Kuwaiti cause. He had also gone to France in November 2006 where he met with President Jacques Chirac and senior officials, discussing means of cementing the bilateral relations and issues of common interest. In January 2017, the (ex) first deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, took part in the international conference for peace in the Middle East, held in Paris. On April 24, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot came to Kuwait where he held talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya on ways of strengthening the relations, in addition to signing a number of accords and memoranda of understanding in diverse spheres. The Kuwaiti Embassy in France took part in the Gulf Vision Conference (2025), held in France under sponsorship of President Emmanuel Macron, aimed at bolstering the European nation's partnership with the GCC states amid rapid changes in the global economy and mutual efforts to broaden the economic relations. France is a major investor in Kuwait's energy, infrastructural, transport, health and cosmetics sectors, with the number of the French companies operating in the Gulf country accounting to 50 percent of the European companies. France and Kuwait had signed several agreements in different sectors namely in taxation, first inked in 1973, in addition to an agreement for protecting and boosting investments, ratified by the two governments in 1989. In June 2017, Kuwait and Paris signed an agreement for executing measures of the taxation treaties. France mainly exports to Kuwait cosmetics, perfumes, clothes, vehicles, food and aviation equipment. At the military level, Kuwait eyes France a strategic ally especially since Paris took part in the international coalition for liberating the country in 1991, along with subsequent defense treaties. In August 1992, the two countries signed a defense treaty regulating cooperation and stipulating that Paris pledges to stand on Kuwait's side against any external aggression. It also tackled the holding of military training and maneuvers, exchanging expertise. Moreover, they had signed another accord in December 2006 on defense cooperation. In the health sector, a delegation of Nice University visited Kuwait and held talks with local health official on enhancing the cooperation and expertise swap. In April 2025, Minister Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadi signed a MoU with Gustave Roussy Hospital. At the level of scientific and cultural cooperation, the two countries had signed several MoUs and accords to increase number of the Kuwaiti students studying in France, partake in cultural activities and exchange experience in the field. — KUNA
