French Ambassador: 65 Years of Relations with Kuwait Reflect the Richness of Human, Cultural, and Educational Ties

Ossama Diab

The French Ambassador to Kuwait, Olivier Goffin, affirmed that 65 years of diplomatic relations between France and Kuwait, along with more than 200 years of friendship between the two countries, embody an accumulated wealth of human, cultural, educational, and scientific ties. He noted that students, researchers, artists, and institutions continue to contribute to consolidating this relationship and writing new chapters of cooperation between the two nations.

This statement was made during the launch of the French Institute in Kuwait’s cultural season for the second half of 2026, held on Wednesday evening at its headquarters in Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Salem Cultural Center (Jabriya), in the presence of Goffin, the Institute’s Director, Soraya Sa’ad, alongside several institutional partners, sponsors, and key figures in the Kuwaiti cultural scene.

The new season is themed around renewal, creativity, and artistic diversity, reflecting the Institute’s commitment to strengthening its role as a space for dialogue, encounter, and creativity, and to opening broader horizons for cooperation between French and Kuwaiti artists, intellectuals, and institutions. This aims to enhance the cultural presence of both countries and mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between them.

Goffin expressed his appreciation for the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), the French Institute’s permanent partner in Kuwait, for its fundamental role in supporting culture and enhancing its presence in Kuwaiti society. He emphasized that the cooperation between the two sides represents a model of cultural partnership uniting the two countries.

Goffin stated: “The 65 years of relations between France and Kuwait, and more than two centuries of friendship, are measured not only by the passage of time, but also by the richness of the human, cultural, educational, and scientific ties woven year after year. Students learning the French language, researchers working together, artists exhibiting their works, and institutions developing joint projects all contribute to writing the beautiful story of friendship between our two countries.”

For her part, Soraya Sa’ad, Director of the French Institute in Kuwait, affirmed that the Institute strives to be an open space to the Kuwaiti artistic and cultural landscape, providing opportunities for French and Kuwaiti artists, creators, and professionals to meet, exchange ideas, and collaborate on new projects.

The French Institute in Kuwait confirmed that its new cultural season reflects its commitment to strengthening bridges of communication between France and Kuwait, supporting creativity and cultural diversity, and providing new spaces for artistic and cultural cooperation, thereby making culture a renewed bridge of friendship between the two countries.

The season features a diverse program of artistic and cultural events, beginning with an exhibition by Kuwaiti artist, painter, and graphic designer Maryam Al-Salem at “Gallery 41,” the Institute’s new exhibition space. Al-Salem draws inspiration from the details of Kuwaiti society and the richness of its traditions, while highlighting the features and symbols of modern architecture.

The exhibition will run until December 12, open to the public from Sunday to Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Among the season’s key events is the “Agamemnon and Perfumes” concert, scheduled for October 13 at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Salem Cultural Center, in cooperation with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters. The event offers an artistic experience combining music with sensory engagement.

The French Institute will also participate in “French Week,” held at the Capital Complex from October 28 to 31, with the participation of several educational institutions and French companies operating in Kuwait. The event aims to showcase French expertise in the fields of culture, education, culinary arts, automotive industry, and high-tech industries, while highlighting the diversity of cooperation between the two countries.