A high-level reception aboard the French frigate celebrated the depth of the French-Kuwaiti defense partnership, drawing the distinguished presence of civilian and military authorities, high-ranking officials, diplomatic corps members, and defense attachés

A French Navy frigate makes a port call at Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait, highlighting the strong defense cooperation between France and Kuwait. The visit included high-level receptions, naval demonstrations, and interactions with both military personnel and civilian visitors

A French Navy frigate makes a port call at Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait, highlighting the strong defense cooperation between France and Kuwait. The visit included high-level receptions, naval demonstrations, and interactions with both military personnel and civilian visitors

A French Navy frigate makes a port call at Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait, highlighting the strong defense cooperation between France and Kuwait. The visit included high-level receptions, naval demonstrations, and interactions with both military personnel and civilian visitors

On the eve of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the reception highlighted the French-Kuwaiti defense partnership and celebrated the longstanding friendship between the two nations. Ambassador Gauvin said: “France and Kuwait have stood together in critical moments, demonstrating a clear commitment to sovereignty and security. During the Liberation War, 18,000 French soldiers fought alongside the Kuwaiti Armed Forces, forming strong and lasting bonds that continue to resonate in both countries’ militaries.”

He added that the 1992 defense agreement, France’s oldest in the Gulf region, reflects a relationship built on trust, loyalty, and continuity, laying the groundwork for long-term cooperation. The French-Kuwaiti friendship was further highlighted during the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad to France, where he attended the Bastille Day military parade in Paris on July 14, 2024, alongside President Emmanuel Macron. Ambassador Gauvin also noted that 2026 will mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the frigate’s commander, Captain Pierre- Louis Josselin, expressed his appreciation for Kuwait: “We are honored to be in the State of Kuwait, alongside an armed force with which we share a long-standing and fruitful defense partnership, as reflected in the large number of Kuwaiti non-commissioned officers who have received training in France. As a sailor, I am particularly pleased to visit a country with such a rich maritime tradition, exemplified by its values of hospitality.” Captain Josselin explained that defense cooperation is anchored in the 1992 Defense Agreement, renewed in 2009, which established a comprehensive partnership covering joint exercises such as “Pearl of the West,” “Swift Falcon,” and “Arabian Breeze,” as well as collaboration in armaments and officer training in France. Naval training includes advanced programs in Cherbourg, while land-based exercises involve Kuwaiti officers at the prestigious Saint-Cyr Military Academy. The port call at Shuwaikh also allowed the frigate to service equipment, interact with the Kuwaiti Navy, and showcase the vessel and its missions to civilian, military, and diplomatic visitors.

A group of high school students from the “Young Ambassador” program toured the ship to learn about its advanced technology and logistics. The French frigate operates under the command of Rear Admiral Hugues Lainé, Commander of the French Maritime Zone (ALINDIEN) and the French forces in the United Arab Emirates. He oversees French naval vessels and aircraft across a maritime area extending from south of the Suez Canal to the western borders of Myanmar, Indonesia, and Australia. The French forces deployed in this region contribute to regional stability, maritime security, military operations, protection of French citizens, and bilateral defense cooperation with regional partners, including Kuwait. The French Navy maintains a continuous operational presence in strategic areas worldwide, safeguarding international maritime security and enhancing interoperability with allies, including GCC countries, to support regional stability and peace. On December 3, 2025, a reception aboard the frigate was hosted by Captain Josselin and Ambassador Gauvin, with Rear Admiral Lainé in attendance.

Among the guests were Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Meshal Al-Sabah, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marefi, Commander of Kuwait’s Naval Force Rear Admiral Saif Al-Hamlan, Acting Director General of KUNA Mohammad Al-Manaie, defense attachés, and members of the diplomatic corps. Ambassador Gauvin reiterated, “This naval stop in Kuwait today reflects the strength of the defense partnership between our two countries, built on solid foundations. France and Kuwait have stood together in the most critical moments, from the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait to the Liberation War, forging enduring ties that are still strongly felt today. The 1992 defense agreement, our oldest in the Gulf region, continues to underpin a relationship built on trust, loyalty, and continuity, ensuring long-term cooperation.” Captain Josselin also thanked the authorities of Shuwaikh Port and the Kuwaiti people for their hospitality, noting the strong naval and defense cooperation between the two countries.