Exhibition chronicles Kuwait-France historic ties

06/02/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 5: Sheikha Hala Bader Mohammad Al-Ahmad underscored the importance of the historical relations between Kuwait and France, more than 65 years of solid cooperation and friendship. Speaking on the sidelines of the opening of the Kuwaiti-French Relations Photo Exhibition at the Kuwait National Library, Sheikha Hala Bader stated that Kuwait is keen on strengthening its relations with its friends around the world, especially France, with which it shares long-standing and distinguished ties. Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Sadiq Marafi, Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Mohammad Al-Jassar and Director General of Kuwait National Library Siham Al-Azmi attended the event.

Sheikha Hala Bader also pointed out the role of France in supporting Kuwait and its participation in the liberation of the latter, reflecting the depth of the partnership between the two countries and the necessity of continuing to solidify it through cultural and diplomatic events. She expressed her admiration for the exhibition’s collection of photographs, documents and historical events that chronicle the history of relations between the two countries. She affirmed that some of the exhibited events introduce the public to aspects that may not have been previously known, while the exhibition beautifully showcases the history of Kuwaiti-French friendship and cooperation over the years.

She added that such exhibitions contribute to solidifying shared memory and strengthening cultural ties between the two peoples, hoping that similar events will continue to support Kuwait’s relations with countries around the world and deepen the bonds of friendship between them. Meanwhile, French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin pointed out that the exhibition does not only present a collection of images, as it also documents a living memory of the exceptional relationship between France and Kuwait -- a relationship forged by history and strengthened by mutual trust.

On bilateral relations between the two countries, Gauvin stated that France and Kuwait share 65 years of diplomatic relations and more than 200 years of friendship and human connection. He asserted that over the past decades, the two countries have succeeded in building a strong and reliable partnership based on respect for sovereignty, a commitment to stability, and a belief in the value of fruitful cooperation that is beneficial for everyone. He pointed out that this path witnessed historical milestones, particularly in the early 1990s, when solidarity and loyalty laid the foundation for a deep and lasting alliance between the two nations. Moreover, Secretary General of NCCAL Dr. Mohammad Al-Jassar said the Kuwaiti-French relations are considered a model of historical friendship and cooperation, indicating that this relationship is not limited to the political aspect as it extends to the cultural, social, and economic dimensions.

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff