The visit to Kuwait last week by the French frigate Surkuf was an important event as it helped enhance military cooperation and further strengthen bilateral ties, said French Ambassador H.E. Claire Le Flecher.
The ambassador was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a reception she held at her residence for the frigate crew at the conclusion of their successful visit to Kuwait. The ambassador proudly recalled the role of French forces in liberating Kuwait following the Iraqi invasion in 1990, and French support for Kuwait’s sovereignty and its just rights.
She also pointed to the presence of French soldiers and officers at the Arifjan base in Kuwait, in addition to the large number of French soldiers and technicians who are training members of the Kuwaiti armed forces to use the Caracal helicopters.
She revealed that the frigate’s crew met with the Kuwaiti side on two occasions, to discuss the security of the Gulf, explaining that the frigate “Surkuf” is part of a European operation to ensure the smooth flow of navigation in the Gulf waters, a peaceful process aimed at ensuring the smooth flow of navigation. It has no other objectives.
For his part, the French military attache in Kuwait, Colonel Olivier Bassoh, revealed that his country has delivered to Kuwait 26 Caracal helicopters so far, and the remaining four will be delivered before the end of this year, as part of the deal concluded between the two countries.
He also noted that the technical training of the Kuwaiti pilots had been completed, and tactical training was ongoing and would be concluded over time.
The commander of the frigate, Edouard de Vallee, said that Kuwait is a major partner of France in the region and every time a new French naval vessel is deployed, it visits Kuwait. He added, “Our mission is to be present in the region to provide assistance to those in need of partners and friends.
On another note related to development of Kuwait-French relations, on Sunday, while inaugurating the French cultural exhibition titled ‘Kuwait and France — Friendship along Two Centuries’, Ambassador Le Flecher praised the depth of friendly relations between both countries in all fields.
The documentary exhibition was organized by the French Research Centre of the Arabian Peninsula (CEFREPA) in collaboration with Kuwait’s National Council for Culture, Arts and Literature (NCCAL).The exhibition showcased documents dating back to the early contacts between both countries, long before the current diplomatic relations were established with Kuwait following its independence in 1961.
Speaking following a tour of the exhibition, the ambassador said, “It looks as if a journey through time,” adding that she was very delighted to inaugurate it.