Khouri: Leveraging Kuwaiti Diwaniya to enhance cultural communication

At an evening event that brought together Lebanese culture and the distinctiveness of Kuwaiti heritage, the Independence Hall at the Lebanese Embassy in Kuwait hosted a Francophone Diwaniya, attended by the head of the diplomatic corps, Saudi Ambassador Prince Sultan bin Saad, along with several ambassadors and prominent figures. The gathering celebrated friendship ties and cultural exchange, as well as the role of the French language in Lebanese cultural identity, within the framework of Francophone activities that unite cultures and peoples.

On this occasion, Lebanese Ambassador to Kuwait Gadi Al-Khoury emphasized the importance of leveraging the Kuwaiti Diwaniya, as an integral part of social life in Kuwait, to enhance cultural communication and promote the French language and its culture through initiatives that blend the unique characteristics of Kuwaiti society with openness to Francophone culture.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Francophone Diwaniya hosted by the Lebanese Embassy in collaboration with the French Institute in Kuwait and the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie, and marking Francophonie Month, Al-Khoury stated that the idea of organizing a Francophone-style Diwaniya stemmed from the prominent place the Diwaniya holds in Kuwaiti life as a space for meeting, communication, and entertainment, rather than merely an official activity. This makes it a suitable environment for introducing French culture in a manner close to the community.

He explained that the initiative included organizing a mixed Diwaniya, alongside performances of French music and hosting artists, creating an experience that blends Kuwaiti and Francophone traditions. He noted the performance of classic French songs accompanied by the oud, in an effort to merge Arab musical heritage with French works.

For his part, French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Goffan affirmed that the Lebanese cultural evening represented an exceptional occasion, given Lebanon’s special status in the Francophone world and the close historical and cultural ties it shares with the French language. He pointed out that holding the event in a Kuwaiti Diwaniya gave it a distinctive character, as the Diwaniya is one of the most prominent social institutions reflecting the uniqueness and heritage of Kuwaiti society.

He added that the evening combined the distinctiveness of Lebanese culture with the depth of Kuwaiti heritage and the spirit of Francophonie, which is based on closeness and dialogue among cultures, supported by the French Embassy and the French Institute in Kuwait.

He clarified that this year’s Francophone activity program was affected by the repercussions of the war, leading to the postponement of several events. However, the second half of the year saw a surge in cultural activities, including a football match, concerts, exhibitions, poetry competitions, literary evenings, and the Lebanese cultural Diwaniya. He affirmed that the diversity of these events reflects Francophonie’s ability to unite peoples and cultures through language, arts, and joint initiatives.

In a separate context, the French Ambassador described President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Kuwait as highly successful, noting the signing of eight agreements during the visit, which was accompanied by three ministers and a significant delegation.