PARIS: Kuwait’s Ambassador to France Abdullah Al-Shaheen affirmed on Sunday the significant political and symbolic importance of the official visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France, underscoring Kuwait’s esteemed status with the French leadership. In a statement to KUNA, Ambassador Al-Shaheen said the visit — taking place at the official invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron and coinciding with France’s National Day (Bastille Day) celebrations — highlights the deep-rooted and longstanding relations between the two countries.

He described the visit as a pivotal milestone in the course of Kuwaiti-French relations, opening new avenues for strategic cooperation and serving as a culmination of years of coordination across various sectors. Ambassador Al-Shaheen emphasized the historical strength of ties between Kuwait and France, built on foundations of mutual respect, trust, and fruitful collaboration.

Al-Shaheen noted that over the past six decades, relations between the two nations have seen steady development, forming a successful model of strategic partnership anchored in shared visions. On the economic front, he pointed out that bilateral trade and investment have witnessed tangible growth, driven by mutual interest in expanding cooperation in renewable energy, technology, and the green economy—areas aligned with Kuwait’s Vision 2035 development strategy.

On the cultural level, the ambassador highlighted the vital role of cultural and academic exchange in strengthening civilizational understanding. He pointed to the ongoing collaboration between Kuwaiti and French educational and cultural institutions as a testament to the value both countries place on such engagement. Ambassador Al-Shaheen concluded by reaffirming the Kuwaiti Embassy’s commitment to advancing bilateral ties through the implementation of joint initiatives and programs that reflect the ambitions of both leaderships and serve the mutual interests of the two friendly nations. — KUNA

PARIS: The French Presidency on Sunday affirmed the special significance of the official visit by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France — his first since assuming leadership of the State of Kuwait. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the Elysee Palace stressed that the visit underscores the depth of historical relations and serves to reinforce the longstanding comprehensive partnership between the two friendly nations.

The statement highlighted that the visit reflects the mutual desire of both countries to bolster cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including diplomacy, defense, economy, education, health, culture and scientific research. It noted that the visit is rooted in the robust bilateral ties characterized by mutual trust and respect, and represents a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to advancing this strategic partnership.

The Elysee added that the visit will also strengthen coordination in addressing regional challenges and will include His Highness the Amir attending the Bastille Day military parade on July 14 alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. His Highness is also scheduled to hold a working luncheon with the French leader at the Elysee Palace.

Kuwaiti-French relations, the statement noted, are founded on historic solidarity, with France being among the first countries to recognize Kuwait’s independence and offering vital support during the 1991 liberation. This historical support has laid the foundation for enduring political trust and continued high-level engagement between the two nations. The two sides maintain close cooperation in international forums and share converging views on several global issues, particularly on the respect for international law and the promotion of mediation and peaceful conflict resolution.

On the economic front, bilateral trade between Kuwait and France reached approximately €2.8 billion (around $3.27 billion) in 2023, with France ranking as Kuwait’s fourth-largest trading partner in Europe. French companies maintain a strong presence in Kuwait, particularly in the sectors of infrastructure, energy, and construction. Cultural and educational ties also continue to thrive, with France supporting the French language and culture in Kuwait through institutions such as the French School and the French Institute. More than 1,000 students benefit from joint academic programs, while a growing number of Kuwaiti students pursue higher education in France.

In the health sector, leading French medical institutions — including the Gustave Roussy Institute — are contributing to the development of Kuwait’s healthcare services through specialized projects and technical consultations, reflecting expanding collaboration in public service and development fields. Relations between Kuwait and France stand as a model of enduring friendship and strong partnership, the Elysee emphasized, noting both nations’ mutual commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in a manner that supports regional and global stability.

Earlier Sunday, His Highness the Amir departed Kuwait, heading to Paris on an official visit. He is accompanied by an official delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and a number of senior state officials. — KUNA

KUWAIT: India has launched the e-visa program for Kuwaiti nationals starting from July 13, 2025, the Indian embassy in Kuwait announced. The e-visa covers five key categories: tourism, business, medical, AYUSH/Wellness (including yoga-related travel), and conference,  Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Adarsh Swaika said during a press conference Sunday.

“The launch of the e-visa facility for Kuwaiti nationals marks a significant step towards strengthening the bonds between our two countries by making travel to India simpler, faster, and more efficient,” Ambassador Swaika said, adding that it helps enhance people-to-people ties and boost travel between India and Kuwait.

The Indian ambassador noted that the tourist e-visa is valid for up to five years, fulfilling a long-standing request from Kuwaiti travelers, saying that business visas are available for up to one year, while medical, medical attendant, and conference visas are granted for shorter, specific durations. “The entire process is online — [there is] no need to visit the visa application centers,” the ambassador said.

“You can upload documents, pay fees, and complete the application from home. Biometrics will be done upon arrival at an Indian airport.” He added, “Visa fees are affordable, with a five-year tourist visa costing just $80, and shorter-duration visas available from $40. Payments can be made via credit/debit card or online gateways.”

The launch comes at a time of deepening bilateral relations between India and Kuwait, with growing tourism, trade, and investment flows. “Direct flights connect nine cities in India, and the number of Kuwaiti tourists visiting India is rising steadily,” the Ambassador noted. He stated, “In 2024, approximately 8,000–9,000 tourist visas were issued to Kuwaiti nationals. “E-visa holders may enter India through 32 designated airports and five seaports. For those who prefer, the traditional method of obtaining a Regular/Paper Visa from the Indian Consular Application Centers (ICAC) in Kuwait will continue to be available.”