French President's Visit to Kuwait: A Key Milestone Capping 65 Years of Bilateral Relations

By Amina Al-Shamari (News Report) Kuwait, Oct 19 (KUNA) -- The official visit being made by French President Emmanuel Macron to the country today, Monday, holds significant importance as it caps a 65-year journey of bilateral relations built on mutual respect and cooperation on issues of common interest. During his visit, the French President is holding talks with His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and guard him, focusing on strengthening Kuwaiti-French relations across various fields and discussing several regional and global topics.

These relations have witnessed steady progress over the past seven decades in many areas, particularly political, economic, military, and educational sectors, as well as joint cooperation in culture, health, and scientific research. France’s recognition of Kuwait’s independence dates back to August 28, 1961, when Paris decided to appoint its ambassador in Beirut as ambassador to Kuwait, and also decided to establish a permanent commercial representation in the country. Diplomatic relations between the two friendly nations were officially launched in 1967.

Kuwait greatly appreciates France’s support for Kuwaiti rights during the brutal Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. On August 26 of that year, the late French President François Mitterrand declared that “Kuwait’s sovereignty is non-negotiable” and decided to deploy approximately 18,000 French soldiers to participate in the country’s liberation.

Over the past years, bilateral relations have seen reciprocal visits by the leaders of both countries and senior officials, aimed at strengthening and consolidating these ties and coordinating cooperation on matters of shared interest. On July 13, 2025, His Highness the Amir, may God protect and guard him, visited the French Republic and held talks with the French President focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in economic, diplomatic, and military fields, and coordinating efforts regarding regional crises. The visit saw the signing of a statement of intent on the French-Kuwaiti strategic partnership for investment during the period 2025–2035, and the signing of a statement of intent to enhance cooperation in the cultural sector and to commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2026.

Last September 23, the French Institute in Kuwait launched its cultural season for the second half of 2026, in line with the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The initiative aims to open broader horizons for cooperation between French and Kuwaiti artists, intellectuals, and institutions, thereby enhancing the cultural presence of both countries.

The two friendly nations hold alternating meetings in the capitals of both countries through rounds of strategic dialogue, accompanied by discussion sessions to review aspects of strategic friendship relations and discuss future action plans to enhance these ties. The strategic dialogue is considered a mechanism established to achieve new horizons between the two countries, through which plans are formulated to achieve desired goals, monitor their implementation, and intensify joint coordination on regional and international issues to lay the foundations of international peace and security.

France is among the most important global investors in Kuwait, particularly in the energy, infrastructure, and cosmetics sectors. French companies account for approximately 50 percent of European companies operating in Kuwait.

There is economic cooperation between the two countries, culminating in agreements in several fields, particularly tax cooperation. The first such agreement was signed in 1973, followed by an agreement between the two governments on the encouragement and protection of investments in 1989. In June 2017, Kuwait signed an agreement to implement measures related to tax treaties aimed at preventing base erosion and profit shifting. The two countries also established the Kuwaiti-French Friendship Committee to foster bilateral cooperation and find optimal solutions to challenges in the path of achieving economic development and enhancing relations between them, particularly in the educational, cultural, and social spheres.

On the military level, Kuwait regards France as a strategic ally, especially following France’s effective participation in the international coalition that liberated Kuwait in 1991, and the subsequent defense cooperation agreements between the two countries. In August 1992, the two countries signed a defense agreement that outlined the framework for cooperation in the event of an external attack on Kuwait. This agreement included provisions for military exercises and maneuvers between the forces of both countries, exchange of expertise, and training and qualification of military personnel. In December 2006, the two countries signed another military cooperation agreement. Additionally, on July 24, 2025, the Kuwait National Guard and the French Gendarmerie signed a memorandum of understanding for coordination, joint cooperation, and training in military and security fields.

In February 2025, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi signed a memorandum of understanding with the French Gustave Roussy Hospital, specializing in cancer treatment, to develop healthcare services in the country. Furthermore, a delegation from the French University of Nice visited Kuwait in 2021 to explore ways to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise to improve the level of medical services.

In the scientific and cultural fields, the two countries have signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding to increase the number of Kuwaiti students in France, participate in cultural activities, and exchange expertise. (End) A.S. / T.A.B.