From liberation to cultural bonds: Kuwait–France ties celebrated in landmark photo exhibition

The Times Kuwait Report

• The exhibition also featured a large collection of photographs by artist Ali Al-Arbash, captured in France using his mobile phone, which drew strong admiration from visitors.

Sheikha Hala Bader Mohammed Al-Ahmad underscored the importance of the historic ties between the State of Kuwait and the French Republic, noting that they span more than 65 years of cooperation and solid friendship.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the Kuwait–France bilateral relations photo exhibition at the Kuwait National Library — attended by Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, Director General of the National Library of Kuwait Suham Al-Azmi, and a large number of diplomats — she said Kuwait consistently seeks to strengthen relations with its friends worldwide, particularly France, which shares long-standing and distinguished ties with Kuwait.

She highlighted France’s support for Kuwait and its role in the country’s liberation, reflecting the depth of partnership between the two nations and the importance of continuing to reinforce it through cultural and diplomatic initiatives.

Sheikha Hala expressed admiration for the exhibition’s collection of photographs, documents, and historical events chronicling the journey of relations between the two countries.

She noted that some of the milestones on display introduce the public to lesser-known aspects of the relationship, while beautifully showcasing the history of Kuwaiti–French friendship and cooperation through the years.

She added that such exhibitions help solidify shared memory and enhance cultural communication between the two peoples, expressing hope that similar events will continue to support Kuwait’s relations with countries around the world and deepen bridges of friendship.

For his part, French Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Olivier Gauvin said the exhibition at the Kuwait National Library presents more than just a collection of images — it documents a living memory of an exceptional relationship shaped by history and strengthened by mutual trust.

Gauvin said France and Kuwait share 65 years of diplomatic relations and more than 200 years of friendship and human connection.

Over the decades, he added, the two countries have built a strong and reliable partnership based on respect for sovereignty, commitment to stability, and belief in meaningful cooperation that benefits all. He pointed to key historical milestones, particularly in the early 1990s, when solidarity and loyalty laid the foundation for a deep and enduring alliance.

He explained that the exhibition captures these moments through photographs of prominent official visits, close cooperation, and impactful meetings. “Every picture tells a story, represents a step forward, and carries a promise for the future,” he said.

The ambassador noted that among the highlights commemorated by the exhibition is the historic visit of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to the French Republic on July 14, 2025 — France’s National Day (Bastille Day) — at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.

He added that Franco-Kuwaiti relations remain vibrant and dynamic today through political, military, cultural, and economic cooperation, alongside shared ambitions in innovation, energy, education, and sustainable cities.

Dr. Mohammed Khaled Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of NCCAL, described Kuwaiti–French relations as a distinguished model of historic friendship and mutual cooperation, extending beyond politics to cultural, social, and economic dimensions.

Al-Jassar expressed pride in the existing partnership between NCCAL and France, whether through cooperation with the French Institute or the Centre for Research and Studies on the Arabian Peninsula, hosted by Kuwait for nearly a decade.

He said the exhibition reflects the strength of relations through documentation of official visits between the leaderships of both countries, in addition to showcasing the beauty of France through the lens of a Kuwaiti photographer — an image that embodies mutual affection and cultural closeness between the two peoples.

Issa Yahya Abdulrasoul Dashti, organizer of the “Kuwait–France Relations in Photos” exhibition, expressed great pride in preparing the event as part of the 31st Al-Qurain Cultural Festival. The exhibition coincides with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and highlights key milestones in the long-standing bilateral relationship.

Dashti said the exhibition sheds light on a long journey of joint cooperation, offering a documented visual narrative of Kuwaiti–French relations through images and archival material, reflecting the depth of political, cultural, diplomatic, and humanitarian ties.

Marking the symbolism of the occasion, he also proposed planting a “Kuwait–France Friendship Tree” in the garden of the Kuwait National Library as a living symbol of enduring relations, continuity, cooperation, and cultural closeness between the two friendly nations.