France’s foreign minister praises wide-ranging cooperation with Kuwait
French and Kuwaiti foreign ministers signed key agreements on energy transition, efficiency, and defense cooperation during a working lunch in Kuwait.
Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, paid an official visit to Kuwait on Thursday, 24 April He was received by the Crown Prince of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and by the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Al-Youssef Al-Sabah. On this occasion, the Minister praised the long-standing and deep friendship between the two countries, which spans the diplomatic, economic, cultural, military, educational, academic, research, and health fields.
Strengthened by strong human ties, this relationship is embodied in numerous cooperation and exchange projects, as well as a vibrant and dynamic Francophonie. The French community of around 800 people in Kuwait actively contributes to this relationship, as do the many Kuwaitis who visit France every year.
In preparation for 2026, which will mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Kuwait, the Minister expressed his desire to further deepen this partnership with ambitious and forward-looking projects serving future generations. He welcomed the prospect of an official visit to Paris this year by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince, at the invitation of the President of the Republic.
The Minister held a working lunch with his counterpart, His Excellency Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya.At the bilateral level, in order to strengthen the partnership between France and Kuwait, the two ministers signed several memoranda of understanding in the fields of efficiency and energy transition as well as a governmental agreement on the exchange of classified information in the field of defense.
The Minister congratulated Kuwait on its presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and expressed his wish to strengthen coordination between the two countries in response to regional crises. He reiterated the importance of upholding international law and multilateralism.
The two ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East. Faced with the scale of destruction in Gaza, they rejected any solution involving the forced displacement of the Palestinian population, which would constitute a grave breach of international law.
The Minister voiced concern over the resumption of Israeli military operations, which have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, and condemned attacks on humanitarian workers. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and negotiations toward a credible “day after” plan, in line with the proposals in the Arab plan for Gaza. He recalled that France and Saudi Arabia will co-chair an international conference in the summer in support of the two-state solution, the only one capable of ensuring lasting peace.
Regarding Syria, the Minister reiterated France’s commitment to a rigorous political transition that respects Syrian pluralism and addresses collective security challenges, especially the fight against terrorism.
On Lebanon, the Minister expressed France’s deep concern over renewed tensions in the south and called on all parties to respect the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024, to avoid an escalation that could have serious consequences for the entire region.
The ministers also discussed global issues, particularly the protection of oceans. The Minister emphasized the need for both countries to mobilize ahead of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which will take place in Nice from 9 to 13 June 2025 and be co-chaired by France and Costa Rica.
Accompanied by a delegation of French business leaders, the Minister met with the Kuwaiti Minister of Finance, Economy and Investment, in the presence of the Executive Director of the Kuwait Investment Authority, and the Minister of Public Works, the Minister of Municipalities, and the Minister of Electricity. The Minister welcomed Kuwait’s ambitions for economic transformation.
He highlighted the readiness of French companies to play a full part, drawing on their world-renowned expertise, particularly in the fields of transport, sustainable cities, energy transition, logistics, and connectivity. The Minister presented the “France 2030” strategy and reaffirmed France’s readiness to develop cross-investments in innovative sectors with shared benefits. To this end, he proposed launching a joint investment program.
