France reaffirms commitment to Kuwait's security and stability and enhancing defense and military cooperation - Sarmad

The French Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Olivier Guven, affirmed today, Wednesday, the strength of the historical and strategic relations between the two friendly countries, emphasizing his country’s firm commitment to Kuwait’s security and stability and to enhancing joint defense and military cooperation.

Ambassador Guven, in a speech delivered during the ceremony commemorating the 108th anniversary of the November 11, 1918 armistice, stated that “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 France’s strategic solidarity with Kuwait spans decades and is embodied in the Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in 1992, confirming 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 last year.

He added that French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Kuwait on October 19 last year, at the invitation of His Highness the Amir of the State, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, embodied the depth of the 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 the State of Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion in 1991.

He praised the sacrifices made by French military personnel during the liberation operation, recalling the 16 French soldiers who lost their lives in 1990 and 1991, and affirming that their sacrifices will remain a testament to the depth of friendship and solidarity between the two countries.

Guven highlighted the importance of preserving the memory of these sacrifices and passing them on to future generations, stressing that peace is not guaranteed but requires continued effort and solidarity to maintain it.

The ceremony included the unveiling of a memorial plaque bearing the names of the 16 French military personnel who lost their lives during Operation Daguet, in honor of their memory and appreciation of their role in liberating Kuwait.

An exhibition of historical photographs was also held, documenting the participation of French forces in the 1991 liberation war and highlighting military operations and mine-clearing efforts on Kuwaiti shores, as well as scenes from the liberation of the country and the return of the French flag to the embassy headquarters on February 28, 1991.

The ceremony included laying wreaths and observing a minute of silence in tribute to the souls of military personnel who fell in wars, alongside conferring the Legion of Honor, Knight rank, upon Major Pascal Alexander of the French Gendarmerie, who serves as a cooperating expert with the Kuwait National Guard.

The event was attended by representatives of various Kuwaiti civil and military authorities, members of the diplomatic corps, and accredited defense attachés, along with representatives of the French community. (End)