KUWAIT CITY, April 14: The Francophonie Month commenced with a series of cultural activities conducted in the French language and it will continue until the end of April, with the participation of 44 diplomatic missions in the country. French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin commended the bilateral relations between Kuwait and France, describing such relations as excellent. He also highlighted the historical context of this relationship, as well as the commonalities and cooperative endeavors of both countries. Asked about the prospective official visits between the two nations, he stated that plans are underway to arrange visits by French dignitaries in order to strengthen bilateral ties. On the possibility of President Emmanuel Macron visiting Kuwait, Gauvin is hoping this will happen. He affirmed that President Macron extended an invitation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah, and that an initial acceptance has been received. “Efforts are being made through diplomatic channels to finalize the date for this visit, preferably before the end of the year,” he revealed. He also affirmed an upcoming meeting with the Minister of Defense to discuss military and security cooperation.

Citing a prior meeting with the Minister of Education when the expansion of French language education was discussed, he confirmed the desire of the minister to expand French language instruction. He also announced the inauguration of an international French-language baccalaureate program in French high schools this September. He then expressed his aspiration for Kuwait to be a member of the International Organization of La Francophonie, considering the substantial number of French speakers in here and the extensive teaching of French in educational institutions.

By Fares Al-Abdan
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff