Kuwait and France to hold joint military exercises in 2022
By Reaven D’Souza
Managing Editor
The level of tension in the region has considerably decreased over the last two years, visiting French Rear-Admiral Jacques Fayard, Commander of the French Joint Forces in the Indian Ocean told The Times Kuwait in an exclusive interview recently.
Rear-Admiral Fayard, a multi-talented officer of the French navy, who is responsible for French military operations in 14 countries from Jordan to Bangladesh, said that a lot of credit for the de-escalation could be attributed to joint forces of European countries who are now also involved in patrolling in the region and engaging with all parties at all levels, including through diplomatic channels.
He added that “There had been no provocation in the area and I have seen the threat perception considerably lowered,” noting that the region however still remained volatile. He pointed out that if all the concerned parties cooperated with the Joint Comprehensive Plan for Action (JCPOA) to reach the nuclear agreement then there would also be a decrease of tensions globally.
During his first visit to Kuwait, the French Rear-Admiral met with the Kuwait Army Chief Gen Khaled Al Sabah and discussed joint military issues. “As you know we have a strategic partnership with Kuwait since 1992, which was reinforced again in 2012.” He pointed out that within this framework several levels of exchanges take place, including training of more than 300 Kuwaiti cadets in French military academies.
He also revealed that there was a lot of French military equipment used by the Kuwaiti side that included among other things helicopters, naval ships and armored vehicles.
“Kuwait and France will hold their largest joint operation exercises titled ‘Pearl of the West’, towards the end of 2022,” said the French officer. He added that the operations will include field training exercises, as well as the airforce with fighter aircraft, and on sea with one of the French frigates. These tactical level exercises will be comprehensive and comprise of all three elements that include air, land and sea.
“We are starting the planning process and our framework is to strengthen these maritime security issues,” he explained, while reiterating that France has been active in the region and involved not only in de-escalating tensions, but also in ensuring a rule based order of the sea. “Freedom of navigation is the core for the world to conduct trade,” he pointed out.
The French are also part of a joint coalition of 34 countries patrolling for illicit drug trade as well as counter-piracy efforts in the area. “We have been successful in apprehending drug smugglers in the high sea,” he explained.
The Rear-Admiral was also recently responsible for the evacuation of civilian refugees from Afghanistan. Around 2,850 individuals, mostly Afghan citizens along with French and European citizens, were evacuated under trying circumstances during the 13-day period with no casualties, said the French commander.
