"France in Kuwait"... 65 Years of Partnership and Broader Horizons for Cooperation

His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah inaugurated the opening events of the first French Week in the country on Wednesday evening at The Avenues Mall. The event, held under the theme “France in Kuwait,” was presided over by His Highness and attended by a number of ministers, sheikhs, senior state officials, as well as ambassadors, heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions, and prominent public figures.

His Highness toured the exhibition pavilions, which witnessed broad participation from French institutions and companies across multiple sectors. These participants aim to showcase French expertise and advantages in fields such as culture, automobiles, high-tech industries, and corporate development, featuring renowned global brands.

This prominent economic and cultural event follows the official visit made by French President Emmanuel Macron to Kuwait on the 19th of this month, during which he was received by His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

This visit marked a major milestone crowning 65 years of established diplomatic and bilateral relations. It saw the signing of numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding in the fields of economy, defense, and scientific research, alongside increased educational and cultural cooperation and exchange of expertise, reflecting the growing momentum and deep strategic partnership between the two countries.

In this context, the French Ambassador to Kuwait, Olivier Goffard, affirmed that the launch of the “France in Kuwait” exhibition embodies the strength and depth of the strategic partnership between the two countries, which is built on decades of joint cooperation and continues to evolve to enhance prosperity and security, serving mutual interests.

He noted that French companies continue to offer their expertise and distinctive innovations across several priority sectors in Kuwait, while Kuwaiti investors and institutions maintain a significant and valued presence in the vibrant French economy.

He added that educational and cultural ties remain at the core of this partnership, growing stronger thanks to the continuous interest of Kuwaiti students, families, and visitors who choose France as a preferred destination. He praised the gracious patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah and commended the substantial efforts made by Ahmed Ismail Bahbahani, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, and his team.

For his part, Ahmed Ismail Bahbahani, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that hosting this prominent event under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah holds exceptional importance in consolidating Kuwaiti-French relations. It coincides with the celebration of the 65th anniversary of strong diplomatic ties.

Bahbahani pointed out that bilateral relations are witnessing their peak strength and prosperity, supported by the strong backing of the political leadership in both countries. This was reflected in the historic visit of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France last year, followed by President Macron’s visit to Kuwait this month.

He stressed the importance of holding such events and joint activities regularly, due to their added value in opening new horizons for cooperation, strengthening cultural and economic ties, and supporting the path of growth, stability, and shared prosperity between the two friendly peoples.

Ambassador Goffard affirmed that the first edition of “French Week” in Kuwait represents an occasion to celebrate the depth of Kuwaiti-French relations, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and recalling more than two centuries of friendship and commercial and cultural exchange.

He stated that the event takes place at a time marked by an exceptional intensification of bilateral relations, embodied by two prominent visits: the first by His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France on July 14, 2025, and the second by French President Emmanuel Macron to Kuwait on October 19, 2026.

Ambassador Gouvan said that the week offers the public an opportunity to get up close with aspects of French excellence and the diversity of its products, ranging from automobiles and aviation to cuisine and fashion. He noted that these advantages naturally resonate with the Kuwaiti consumer, who places great importance on product quality and reliability.

He added that the event also highlights the broad potential of French institutions operating in Kuwait and the cooperation and knowledge-sharing opportunities they can offer, as well as shedding light on economic, cultural, and educational cooperation prospects between the two countries.

Ambassador Gouvan praised the role played by the French Institute in presenting a diverse cultural program and fostering renewed dialogue between French and Kuwaiti cultures through cultural activities and courses in French and Arabic.

He pointed out that the French high school also represents an important milestone in the educational journey of young people and a gateway to admission to the world’s best universities.

Ambassador Gouvan expressed his sincere gratitude to Ahmed Ismail Bahbahani and his team, in appreciation of their efforts in organizing the event, which was held under the high patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Honorary President of the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie.

He affirmed that the “French Week” embodies the spirit of dialogue between the two countries, expressing his hope that it will serve as a celebration of what unites the Kuwaiti and French peoples and an opportunity to forge new friendships that will write additional chapters in the history of their shared relations.