Kuwait-France Partnership to Support Culture, Language Education, and Enhance Dialogue Between the Two Countries

Osama Diab

French Ambassador to the country, Olivier Guiffan, affirmed that the continued cooperation with Al Amaliyat Holding Group and its support for the French Institute in Kuwait contribute to strengthening the presence of French culture and cultural dialogue in the country. He praised the deep-rooted human and cultural ties linking Kuwait and France.

This statement came during the signing of a new agreement between Al Amaliyat Holding Group and the French Institute in Kuwait, through which the group renewed its ongoing commitment to supporting the institute and its cultural and educational activities. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Mubarak Al-Abdullah, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Amaliyat Holding Group, and Souleya Saad, Advisor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the French Embassy and Director of the French Institute in the country, in the presence of Ambassador Guiffan.

Ambassador Guiffan expressed his welcome for the continued commitment of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Abdullah and Al Amaliyat Holding Group to supporting the French Institute, stating: “I greatly welcome the continued commitment of Sheikh Mubarak and Al Amaliyat Holding Group to supporting the French Institute in Kuwait, and I express my sincere gratitude for this support.”

He added that the close relationship that has long linked the family and Al Amaliyat Holding Group with France and French culture represents an expression of the deep-rooted human ties between the two countries. He affirmed that “this renewed cooperation will contribute to enhancing the presence of French culture and cultural dialogue in Kuwait.”

For his part, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Abdullah, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Amaliyat Holding Group, affirmed the group’s pride in continuing to support the French Institute in Kuwait as a Platinum Sponsor over the past years. He expressed his hope to continue this approach in the future and to support the various events and activities organized by the institute.

He said that the institute has witnessed notable development since his last visit, emphasizing that its importance extends beyond the building and facilities to the team of staff who contribute to promoting French and Francophone culture, reflecting France’s standing and its cultural, linguistic, and civilizational influence in the world.

He added that the French Institute in Kuwait is a distinguished cultural institution serving successive generations, noting that his mother was among the early participants when the institute was known as the “Voltaire Institute,” which underscores its deep presence in Kuwaiti society and its continuity across more than one generation. He expressed his hope for the success of the new cultural season, pointing to a number of upcoming events and joint projects, and affirmed the group’s commitment to cooperating with the institute, supporting its mission and activities, and serving French culture and French speakers in Kuwait.

For her part, Souleya Saad, Advisor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the French Embassy and Director of the French Institute in Kuwait, affirmed the depth of Kuwaiti-French cultural relations, noting that they are based on a solid friendship and long-term cooperation. She stated that the partnership with Sheikh Mubarak Al-Abdullah and Al Amaliyat Holding Group is a practical embodiment of this friendship.

Saad said that the group’s support for the institute as a Platinum Partner is of great importance, helping to organize concerts, cultural events, and Francophone activities, in addition to supporting efforts to teach the French language in Kuwait through the courses offered by the institute, as well as accredited exams and certificates.

She explained that official cultural cooperation between Kuwait and France dates back several decades, with the cultural cooperation agreement between the two countries dating to 1969. She noted that thousands of students have learned French through the institute over those years.

Saad added that the institute currently receives hundreds of Kuwaiti students, clarifying that she does not have an exact figure at the moment. However, she noted that the network of alumni over the years is extensive, including doctors, lawyers, military personnel, and others from various fields.

She pointed out that a number of doctors learned French at the institute before traveling to France to enhance their medical skills, considering that Kuwaiti alumni of the institute form an extension of the French cultural family in Kuwait. Saad noted that one French language course began on September 6, with another scheduled to start next November. She explained that each course lasts about two months, after which students can take exams and obtain accredited certificates.

She affirmed that the French Institute is the only entity in Kuwait authorized to issue the official government-recognized certificate attesting to proficiency in the French language. She clarified that this certificate is permanent, does not expire, and is recognized by French universities and institutions.

Regarding cultural and research cooperation between the two countries, Saad explained that it extends beyond language teaching and organizing cultural activities to include scientific research and archaeology. She pointed to strong and continuous cooperation between Kuwait and France in the field of archaeological missions for decades, particularly on Failaka Island.

She revealed that French archaeological missions will return to Kuwait within days, noting that two missions are expected to operate simultaneously, as part of the ongoing archaeological and research cooperation between the two countries.