French Ambassador highlights deep historical ties between France and Kuwait

The French geographers created first maps of region, including Kuwait, in the 17th and 18th Centuries.

• Kuwaiti Pearls are highly valued by jewelers of the Champs-Élysées.

• The participation of 18,000 French soldiers in ‘Opération Daguet’ reflects depth of Kuwait-French relationship.

• Health cooperation between Gustave Rossi Hospital and Kuwait set for positive results.

• French groups show interest in development projects in Kuwait.

The French Ambassador to Kuwait, H. E. Olivier Gauvin, emphasized the deep historical foundations of the relationship between France and Kuwait. He pointed out that French geographers were among the first to chart the region, including Kuwait City, in the 17th and 18th centuries.

During an introduction ceremony with Kuwaiti media representatives at his residence, the French Ambassador, further elaborated on the historical significance of France-Kuwait relations.

Furthermore, the Ambassador shared that in the early 20th century, Kuwaiti pearls were highly prized by jewelers along the prestigious Champs-Élysées, playing a key role in the success of the renowned French brand, Cartier.

The Ambassador also highlighted Kuwait’s growing importance as a major energy supplier to France, particularly after the discovery of oil. By the 1960s, Kuwait had become France’s fourth-largest oil supplier.

On a very important note, the French Ambassador further emphasized about the enduring strength of the France-Kuwait relationship, highlighting France’s steadfast political and military support. He noted that France was among the first countries to recognize Kuwait’s independence in 1961, only two months after its declaration.

The Ambassador also recalled France’s significant military involvement during the Gulf War in 1991, where 18,000 French soldiers participated in ‘Opération Daguet’ as part of the international coalition.

The Ambassador remarked that some French soldiers sacrificed their lives in defense of Kuwait’s independence and sovereignty, sealing the friendship between France and Kuwait, with sacrifice.

Ambassador Gauvin stressed that this commitment represents the core of the relationship between France and Kuwait, built on trust, mutual respect, and unwavering solidarity.

Health cooperation

The French Ambassador to Kuwait also touched upon the growing cooperation in the health sector, particularly in response to the rising number of Kuwaiti patients seeking medical care in France.

The Ambassador also revealed that officials from the prestigious Gustave Rossi Hospital visited Jaber Hospital last week, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral health ties.

These visits are part of ongoing efforts, with continuous communication between the French hospital and Kuwaiti health authorities, indicating optimism with positive results from this collaboration in the near future.

30 French Companies

On the economic front, the French Ambassador emphasized his commitment to further developing the economic and trade relations between Kuwait and France.

The Ambassador highlighted that France is Kuwait’s leading European economic partner, with over thirty French companies operating in the country. Moreover, France’s involvement spans several key sectors, including defense, energy, hospitality, healthcare, infrastructure, agricultural food, and luxury goods.

Furthermore, the Ambassador emphasized the excellence and expertise displayed by French companies operating in Kuwait. These companies are actively interested in contributing to the State’s New Kuwait – Vision 2035 development plan.

French groups are keen to offer innovative solutions in key areas such as healthcare, logistics, transportation, sustainable economy, and climate challenge management.

Typical Ambassadors

The French Ambassador expressed his ambition to further promote academic exchange between the two countries and increase the number of Kuwaiti students studying in France. He admired the large number of French speakers in Kuwait, who often discover by chance in conversations, especially in Diwaniyat.

What’s more is that the Ambassador noted about the growing number of French and European students coming to Kuwait for intensive training in standard Arabic and the Kuwaiti dialect, facilitated by institutions such as the French Centre for Research in the Arabian Peninsula (CEFREPA).

The Ambassador highlighted that the increase in student exchanges fosters long-term relationships that enrich the bond between France and Kuwait, creating shared experiences, deep friendships, and mutual understanding. The Kuwaiti and French graduates are typical ambassadors of the friendship that unites the two countries.

Kuwaiti press is of high quality

The Ambassador praised the high standards of journalism and media in Kuwait, stating that in the context of fake news that challenges the information environment, Kuwaiti media’s commitment is reliable, with high-quality information, which is invaluable.

The Ambassador stated that he knows he can count on flawless professional journalists in Kuwait and expressed his gratitude for the work of Kuwaiti media. He praised their insightful articles, which, in his view, provide the Kuwaiti public with a clear and accurate vision of France.

A warmer climate and people are warmer

Speaking about his initial impressions of Kuwait in late August 2024, The French Ambassador remarked that he was impressed with the heat, and was not used to such temperatures. In fact, Kuwait’s climate is warm, but people are warmer. It was the warmth of Kuwaiti people that he admired the most.