French Ambassador: 65 years of relations with Kuwait have solidified close cultural and humanitarian ties
France’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Olivier Goffin, affirmed on Wednesday the depth of the cultural and human ties binding the two countries, noting that the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations reflects a long history of friendship, cooperation, and exchange between the two friendly peoples.
In a speech delivered on the occasion of the launch of the French Institute in Kuwait’s cultural season for the second half of 2026, Ambassador Goffin stated that the relationship between France and Kuwait is measured not only by the passage of years but by the richness of the human, cultural, educational, and scientific bonds that have developed over the past decades.
He added that students learning the French language, researchers working together, artists exhibiting their works, and institutions developing joint projects all contribute to strengthening friendship and rapprochement between the two countries.
He praised the existing cooperation between the French Institute and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, emphasizing the importance of this partnership in supporting culture and enhancing cultural exchange between Kuwait and France, particularly in the year marking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.
For her part, Soraya Sa’ad, Director of the French Institute in Kuwait, said the Institute strives to be an open space to the Kuwaiti artistic and cultural landscape, enabling artists, creators, and professionals from both countries to meet, exchange ideas, and collaborate on developing new projects.
She added that the season features the development of new spaces within the Institute, including studios dedicated to young artists and “Gallery 41” for exhibitions and contemporary creativity, alongside “Club France,” which offers cultural activities encompassing music, cinema, literary encounters, and digital experiences.
She affirmed that the new season comes within the framework of continuing efforts to build cultural bridges between Kuwait and France and to enhance new forms of artistic and cultural cooperation between the two countries. The new cultural season includes a series of artistic and cultural events, among them an exhibition by Kuwaiti artist Maryam Al-Salem and the “Agamemnon and Perfumes” concert, scheduled for October 13 at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, in cooperation with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.
The Institute will also participate in “French Week,” scheduled to be held at the Capital Complex from October 28 to 31, with the participation of educational institutions and French companies operating in Kuwait, aiming to showcase French expertise in the fields of culture, education, culinary arts, automobiles, and high-tech industries.
The Institute will also take part in the Kuwait International Book Fair with a program featuring a number of literary encounters. Additionally, December will see the organization of a new event within the “France-Kuwait Diwaniya” in cooperation with the Institut du Monde Arabe, celebrating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The event will be held simultaneously in Paris and Kuwait, with the participation of figures and actors from the Kuwaiti and French cultural scenes, aiming to highlight the bonds of friendship and dialogue between the two countries and to open new horizons for cultural exchange.
