France, Kuwait are partners in stability and security
France and Kuwait share a lot in common and have much to build together on, said the French ambassador while speaking at celebrations held to mark Bastille Day, the National Day of France on 14 July.
Ambassador of France H.E. Claire Le Flécher affirmed that France and Kuwait have a lot in common and hold a shared commitment to pluralism, peace, and international solidarity. She also praised Kuwait’s exemplary humanitarian commitment, especially in supporting the civilian populations in Gaza and Sudan.
The ambassador was speaking during celebrations held to mark Bastille Day, the National Day of France on 14 July. The event was attended by Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al-Jaber, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the French military contingent in Kuwait, as well as by a large gathering of officials, special invitees, and French nationals in Kuwait.
Recollecting the three years she spent in Kuwait representing France, Ambassador Le Flécher noted that the two countries “share a lot and have a lot to build together”. She added that during her tenure, the two countries ”were able to elevate the French-Kuwaiti strategic dialogue to the level of a ministerial meeting”, and to continue developing the strong bilateral relationship.
Ambassador Le Flécher also highlighted the eagerness of French companies to establish business relations with Kuwait, as well as the interest of Kuwaiti companies in France. In past years, many Kuwaitis attended our ‘Vision Golfe’ and ‘Choose France’ business forums. She added that last year, the French-Kuwaiti Friendship Association was launched, headed by Mohammed Al-Saqr and Dominique Ceniquet, with the aim of becoming a major platform to bring together prominent actors in the private sector and civil society in both countries, and to develop meaningful long-term relationships and projects.
The French Ambassador stressed that France and Kuwait are partners in stability and security. The dynamism of our defense cooperation is constant evidence of the ability of our armed forces to fight side by side to defend Kuwait. The 1992 defense agreement is considered the oldest defense agreement signed by France in the Gulf region. Generations of Kuwaiti officers have been trained and educated in France, creating bonds of mutual trust and interoperability. “Training and exercises such as Pearl of the West 2022, Arabian Breeze 2023 and 2024, and most recently, air superiority exercises involving French and Kuwaiti jet fighters, demonstrate the vitality of our cooperation to achieve operational readiness,” said the ambassador.
She added, “The participation of Caracal helicopters during the Kuwaiti National and Liberation Day celebrations and the delivery of the last helicopters create a potential that only a few countries have: Kuwait now has one of the largest Caracal fleets in the world,” said the French Ambassador. “I would also like to thank the Airbus and DCI employees for their fantastic efforts and their support for the Caracal program.”
Regarding the occasion for the gathering, she said, “I am deeply honored to welcome you on Bastille Day, which this year is very special for France, as our country is about to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. I welcome the presence of a delegation from the Kuwaiti Olympic Committee among us. Dear President Sheikh Fahd Al-Sabah, we are very honored by your presence, and we wish all the best to the Kuwaiti team.”
Indicating her pleasure at the growing support for Francophone and the French language in Kuwait, the ambassador said, “I met many advocates of Francophonie in Kuwait: teachers, graduates, and many French speakers,” the Ambassador said. “The vitality of the French language in Kuwait is the result of those who keep it alive, and I would like to thank His Highness Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al-Sabah for his unwavering support, and all members of the French Language Council for the promotion of Francophonie. As you know, France will host the Francophone Summit in October. I am convinced that Francophonie represents an authentic space that rejects cultural uniformity and offers a promising dialogue full of energy and generosity.”
Ambassador Le Flécher concluded by stating, “As I leave Kuwait, I carry with me countless memories and lasting friendships. I have had the honor of serving as the Ambassador of France to the State of Kuwait for three years, and rest assured that I will always remain an ardent advocate for strengthening French-Kuwaiti friendship, wherever I am.
Long live France, long live Kuwait, long live French-Kuwaiti friendship.”
