First French Week in Kuwait: Diverse Fields for Cooperation and Partnership

Osama Diab: His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed inaugurated the opening events of the first Kuwait French Week yesterday evening, Wednesday. Held under the theme “France in Kuwait” at The Avenues Mall in the capital, the event was graced by the patronage of His Highness and attended by a number of ministers, sheikhs, senior officials, as well as ambassadors and heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions and prominent figures.

His Highness toured the accompanying exhibition pavilions, which feature broad participation from French institutions and companies operating in diverse sectors. These entities showcased their expertise and capabilities in culture, automotive manufacturing, advanced technology, and institutional development, alongside the participation of several global brands.

The organization of the French Week comes within the framework of commemorating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and France, following the official visit made by French President Emmanuel Macron to the State of Kuwait on the 19th of this month. The visit was received by His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The visit marked an important milestone in the trajectory of bilateral relations, witnessing the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding in the fields of economy, defense, and scientific research, alongside the enhancement of educational and cultural cooperation and the exchange of expertise. This reflects the depth of the strategic partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to expanding the scope of their cooperation.

For his part, the French Ambassador to Kuwait, Olivier Goffard, stated that the launch of the “France in Kuwait” events embodies the robust strategic partnership uniting the two countries, built on decades of joint cooperation. He noted that this partnership continues to evolve, enhancing prosperity and security while achieving mutual interests. Goffard clarified that the exhibition highlights the broad scope of Kuwaiti-French cooperation, which encompasses trade, investment, education, culture, and defense, extending to modern and emerging technologies. He pointed out that French companies continue to offer their expertise and innovations in many sectors of priority for Kuwait.

He added that Kuwaiti investors and institutions enjoy a significant and valued presence in the French economy, emphasizing that educational and cultural ties constitute a fundamental pillar of bilateral relations, growing stronger as Kuwaiti students, families, and visitors continue to choose France as their preferred destination.

The French Ambassador expressed his appreciation for the gracious patronage accorded by His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed to this event, commending the efforts made by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Ahmed Ismail Al-Bahbahani, and his team to ensure the success of the French Week activities.

For his part, Ahmed Ismail Al-Bahbahani, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the French Week, affirmed that hosting this event under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed holds special significance in strengthening Kuwaiti-French relations, particularly as it coincides with the celebration of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Al-Bahbahani stated that bilateral relations are witnessing notable development, supported by the interest of the leaderships of both countries in enhancing joint cooperation. This was reflected in the visit made by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad to France last year, followed by the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Kuwait in October of this month.

He stressed the importance of organizing joint events on a regular basis, as they represent an opportunity to showcase the potential of both countries, exchange expertise, and open new fields for economic and cultural cooperation. This contributes to consolidating bilateral relations and supporting the path of growth, stability, and shared prosperity for the two friendly peoples.