French Ambassador: Committed to Kuwait's security and stability, enhancing defense and military cooperation
Press coverage 1 newspapers covered this event: Al-Qabas →
French Ambassador Olivier Goffan reaffirms his country's commitment to Kuwait's security and stability, emphasizing the depth of strategic partnership and joint defense cooperation since Kuwait's liberation.
Translated by Qiyas from القبس — Original source
The French Ambassador to Kuwait, Olivier Goffard, reaffirmed on Wednesday the strong historical and strategic ties between the two friendly nations, emphasizing France’s firm commitment to Kuwait’s security and stability and to enhancing joint defense and military cooperation.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 108th anniversary of the November 11, 1918 armistice, Ambassador Goffard said, “Kuwait knows it can rely on France as a trusted ally in critical moments, as was the case in 1990 and as it is today.”
He noted that French strategic solidarity with Kuwait spans decades, embodied in the Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in 1992, and affirmed that his country has provided tangible military and operational support to Kuwait since the early days of the regional conflict that erupted on February 28.
He added that French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Kuwait on October 19, at the invitation of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, embodied the depth of strategic partnership and France’s political and military commitment to Kuwait.
The French ambassador recalled the 35th anniversary of Operation Daguet, during which more than 18,000 French military personnel fought alongside Kuwaiti and international coalition forces to liberate Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion in 1991. He praised the sacrifices made by French servicemen during the liberation campaign, remembering the 16 French military personnel who lost their lives in 1990 and 1991, and affirming that their sacrifices remain a testament to the deep bonds of friendship and solidarity between the two countries.
Ambassador Goffard highlighted the importance of preserving and transmitting the memory of these sacrifices to future generations, stressing that peace is not guaranteed and requires continued effort and solidarity to maintain.
The ceremony featured the unveiling of a memorial plaque bearing the names of the 16 French military personnel who died during Operation Daguet, honoring their memory and recognizing their role in the liberation of Kuwait. A historical photo exhibition was also held, documenting the participation of French forces in the 1991 liberation war, highlighting military operations and mine-clearance efforts on Kuwaiti shores, as well as scenes from the country’s liberation and the return of the French flag to the embassy premises on February 28, 1991.
The event included the laying of wreaths and a minute of silence in tribute to the spirits of military personnel who fell in wars. It also featured the awarding of the Legion of Honour, Knight rank, to Major Alexandre Pascal, a French Gendarmerie officer serving as a cooperating expert with the Kuwait National Guard.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of various Kuwaiti civil and military authorities, members of the diplomatic corps, and attached defense officials accredited to the country, as well as representatives of the French community.
