French Ambassador: Kuwait Hosts Prominent Leaders and Talents

The French Ambassador to Kuwait emphasized the vital role played by graduates of French higher education institutions in strengthening ties between France and Kuwait, describing them as permanent bridges between the two countries and as ambassadors of French education, culture, and innovation in Kuwait. This statement was made during the France-Kuwait Graduates 2026 ceremony, held yesterday evening at the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), under the theme “Scientific Talents: Discovery, Innovation, Leadership.” The event was attended by the university’s president, Dr. Taher Ali, along with several ambassadors, diplomatic corps members, graduates of French universities, and Francophone community friends.

The ambassador expressed his appreciation to GUST for hosting the event, praising its role in Kuwait’s private higher education sector since its establishment in 2002 and its commitment to preparing a new generation of leaders and professionals. He stressed that the alumni network is not merely a list of names or a social media group, but rather a “force multiplier for ideas and opportunities.” He noted that Kuwait is home to researchers, physicians, entrepreneurs, leaders, and skilled professionals who graduated from prominent French educational institutions, including HEC Paris, École Polytechnique, Sciences Po, and the Sorbonne.

He added that Franco-Kuwaiti cooperation now extends across multiple strategic sectors, including scientific research, health, economy, investment, higher education, and Francophonie, reflecting the broadening scope of partnership between the two countries. In the fields of scientific research and health, he pointed to the collaboration between the Dasman Diabetes Institute and Inserm, through the IMMEDIAB laboratory affiliated with the Necker-Enfants Malades Institute—a joint research team operating between Paris and Kuwait, involving Dr. Fawaz Al-Zaid, who is both a graduate of and a researcher at these institutions.

In the economic and investment sector, the ambassador noted that France has remained the top destination for foreign direct investment in Europe for the seventh consecutive year, citing the latest Choose France summit hosted by President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles. The summit saw announcements of choices and investments from international companies and institutions, including SoftBank and Mistral AI.

Regarding higher education, he clarified that France offers more than 1,700 programs taught in English, highlighting the strong presence of French higher education and business schools in European and international rankings.

On the issue of Francophonie, he affirmed that the French language enjoys a significant presence in Kuwait, with approximately 500,000 French speakers and 1,400 French language teachers working in public and private institutions. He also noted the expansion of French language instruction to include the tenth grade, which he described as an additional opportunity for students to continue their studies in France.