Macron visit milestone in 65 years

A Declaration on exploratory cooperation in data and Artificial Intelligence between Kuwait’s Ministry of State for Communications and Information Technology and French company Bertin was signed by Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Information and Culture Omar Al- Omar, and Bertin CEO Charles-Henri Beaud. A Declaration of Intent to enhance academic, scientific and technical cooperation was signed by Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. A Declaration of Intent on cooperation to promote direct investment with the French government, represented by Business France, was signed by Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) Director General Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot.

The declaration aims to establish cooperation through exchanging expertise, knowledge, and best practices in direct investment, including promoting the exchange of visits and delegations between the two countries, as well as organizing events, activities, conferences, and exhibitions, which will help explore future cooperation opportunities. It also comes as part of strengthening economic and investment relations and opening new avenues for cooperation in areas of mutual interests to diversify the economic base and build sustainable investment partnerships between both countries. A joint Declaration of Intent between KIA, Kuwait’s Ministry of Health, and the Gustave Roussy International Foundation was signed by KIA Managing Director Sheikh Saud Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah, Health Ministry Undersecretary Sheikh Dr. Salman Khalifa Abdullah Al-Sabah, and the foundation’s President, Fabrice Barlesi. The initiative comes as an extension of the health ministry’s ongoing efforts and plans to improve the healthcare system in Kuwait, aiming to enable cancer patients to receive the highest level of treatment and care according to international standards within Kuwait.

It seeks to benefit from the foundation’s medical and research expertise to advance the Kuwait Cancer Center, and to develop a comprehensive system that combines treatment, research, innovation, and experience, contributing to the development of healthcare and establishing sustainable national capabilities that serve Kuwait in the long term. Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Director General Dr. Amina Farhan and Airbus Africa and Middle East Managing Director and Head of Region Gabriel Semelas, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation in space technology and its application, utilizing technical expertise and space data in scientific research, and development of various sectors. The MoU covers areas including satellite imagery and Earth observation, joint specialized training curricula, digital space platforms, data analysis, and AI application, in addition to establishing a shared workspace and laboratory with Airbus at the Kuwait National Center for Space Research (KNCSR), one of KFAS’ centers, to facilitate technical exchange and project presentations. It aims to support the preparation of basic reference maps via the Airbus platform, and develop digital skills related to space technologies among KNCSR employees, to enhance their capabilities in decision making contributing to a qualified national cadre to participate in future space projects.

The two sides also discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly the situation in the region, and exchanged views on related issues. Amiri Diwan Minister Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah said the talks reflected ongoing communication and consultation between the two countries’ leaderships, their close ties, and their shared commitment to continued coordination in meeting the aspirations of both peoples. He added that the discussions covered current regional and international developments and key issues of mutual interest. The talks took place in a friendly atmosphere, reflecting the understanding and longstanding friendship between the two countries and their shared desire to strengthen cooperation at all levels. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah hosted a luncheon at Bayan Palace on Monday in honor of French President Emmanuel Macron and his accompanying delegation during their official visit to Kuwait.

Diplomatic relations were formally established in 1967. Kuwait highly appreciates France’s support during the Iraqi invasion in August 1990. On August 26, then French President Francois Mitterrand declared that “Kuwait’s sovereignty is non-negotiable” and decided to deploy around 18,000 French troops to help liberate the country. Over the years, reciprocal visits by the two countries’ leaders and senior officials have strengthened bilateral ties and advanced coordination on issues of mutual interest. On July 13, 2025, His Highness the Amir visited France and held talks with Macron on expanding economic, diplomatic and military cooperation and coordinating efforts to address regional crises. The visit witnessed the signing of a declaration of intent on the Kuwait- France Strategic Investment Partnership for 2025-2035, alongside another declaration aimed at strengthening cultural cooperation and marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. On September 23, the French Institute in Kuwait launched its cultural season for the second half of 2026, marking the anniversary and seeking to broaden cooperation among French and Kuwaiti artists, intellectuals and institutions.

The two countries also hold alternating strategic dialogue sessions in their respective capitals to review bilateral relations, discuss future action plans and strengthen cooperation. The strategic dialogue serves as a mechanism for identifying new opportunities, setting and implementing shared objectives, and enhancing coordination on regional and international issues to support global security and peace. France is among Kuwait’s key international investors, particularly in energy, infrastructure and cosmetics. French companies account for around 50 percent of European companies operating in Kuwait. Economic cooperation is underpinned by several agreements, including an initial tax cooperation agreement signed in 1973 and an investment promotion and protection agreement concluded in 1989. In June 2017, Kuwait signed an agreement implementing tax treaty measures to prevent base erosion and profit shifting. The two countries also established the Kuwait-France Friendship Committee to strengthen bilateral cooperation, address development challenges and advance economic, educational, cultural and social ties.

Militarily, Kuwait regards France as a strategic ally, particularly following its active participation in the international coalition that liberated Kuwait in 1991 and subsequent bilateral defense agreements. In August 1992, the two countries signed a defense agreement outlining cooperation in the event of external aggression against Kuwait. It covered joint military exercises, maneuvers, expertise exchange and personnel training. Another military cooperation agreement was signed in December 2006. On July 24, 2025, the Kuwait National Guard and France’s Gendarmerie signed a memorandum of understanding on coordination, cooperation and military and security training. In February 2025, Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi signed a memorandum of understanding with France’s Gustave Roussy cancer center to develop healthcare services in Kuwait. A delegation from the University of Nice visited Kuwait in 2021 to explore medical cooperation and expertise exchange. In science and culture, the two countries have signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding to increase the number of Kuwaiti students in France, promote cultural activities and facilitate expertise exchange.