Kuwaiti Interior Minister observes Gendarmerie riot control drills in France

PARIS: Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah got a close-up look at how France prepares for security challenges during a visit Friday to the southeastern regional command center of the French National Gendarmerie. Hosted by Regional Commander General Frédéric Boudier, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef witnessed full-scale riot control exercises at battalion level, including the use of armored vehicles and public order drills with drones and helicopters.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef toured the gendarmerie’s facilities, attending detailed briefings on the operational structure, roles and procedures of various units.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah shakes hands with General Frédéric Boudier.

The minister also visited the gendarmerie’s command center, where officials presented visual demonstrations and in-depth explanations of planning, coordination, and decision-making processes for large-scale events, reflecting the force’s high operational readiness and strategic expertise.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef commended the “high competence and field experience” of the French gendarmerie personnel and expressed his gratitude for their hospitality and professionalism. He wished France continued security, progress and prosperity. Brigadier General Boudier said the visit reflects the strength of bilateral relations between Kuwait and France. — KUNA