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Saturday, July 12, 2025
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Amir of Kuwait to Begin Official Visit to France

publish time

12/07/2025

publish time

12/07/2025

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

KUWAIT CITY, July 12: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, accompanied by an official delegation, will depart Kuwait tomorrow, Sunday, for an official visit to the French Republic.

The State of Kuwait and the French Republic share a long-standing diplomatic relationship that officially began in 1964, laying the foundation for decades of strong political, economic, and cultural cooperation.

The establishment of diplomatic ties took place during the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s 11th ruler and first Amir after independence, and President Charles de Gaulle, the architect of modern France and a key figure in post-colonial international relations. Under their leadership, both nations signed their first agreement to exchange diplomatic representation, resulting in the opening of embassies in Kuwait and Paris.

Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem is remembered for declaring Kuwait’s independence in 1961 and for initiating the country’s international outreach, including formalizing relations with France. For his part, President de Gaulle recognized the importance of fostering ties with Gulf and Arab nations, placing strategic value on the emerging Kuwaiti state.

In the 1970s, bilateral ties reached new heights when Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s second Amir after independence, became the first Kuwaiti ruler to make an official state visit to France. During this landmark visit, Sheikh Sabah met with President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, solidifying cooperation in areas such as economics, energy, and culture. The visit signified a pivotal moment in the evolution of Kuwait-France relations, from formal diplomatic contact to a robust and strategic partnership guided by top-level dialogue.

That enduring bond is now set to reach another historic milestone. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah will participate as the guest of honor at France’s Bastille Day celebrations in 2025, becoming the first Kuwaiti Emir to receive such an invitation.

This unprecedented honor reflects not only Kuwait’s elevated status on the global stage but also the depth of bilateral ties that have flourished into a model of political, cultural, and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.

Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya emphasized that the upcoming visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France marks a significant milestone in bolstering the strategic partnership between Kuwait and France, particularly amid the current regional and global challenges.

In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Saturday, Al-Yahya noted that the visit reflects the depth of historic ties between the two nations and demonstrates their shared commitment to further developing relations across various sectors to serve mutual interests.

Highlighting more than six decades of constructive cooperation and diplomatic understanding, Al-Yahya praised the longstanding Kuwaiti-French relationship.

He added that the Amir’s official visit includes high-level meetings with senior French officials, as well as the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding in diverse areas such as infrastructure, education, defense, and culture, underscoring the breadth and strength of bilateral cooperation.

Al-Yahya affirmed that Kuwait regards France as a trustworthy international partner with aligned views on many regional and global matters. He expressed confidence that the visit will open new avenues for political dialogue, economic collaboration, and investment opportunities, in alignment with Kuwait’s National Development Plan (New Kuwait 2035).

He also noted the ongoing coordination between the two countries in international forums and expressed Kuwait’s appreciation for France’s consistent support for the country’s security and stability during key moments in its history.