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French ambassador hails Amir’s Bastille Day visit as a milestone in bilateral ties

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KUWAIT: During an interview with Kuwait Times, the Ambassador of France to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin reflects on the recent historic visit of His Highness the Amir to Paris for Bastille Day, a milestone in Kuwaiti French relations. The Ambassador offers insight into the growing partnership between the two countries and their shared vision for regional stability and cultural exchange.

Kuwait Times: His Highness the Amir’s visit to Paris on the occasion of 14 July marked a significant moment in the diplomatic history between France and Kuwait. How did you experience this moment as the Ambassador of France to Kuwait?

Ambassador Olivier Gauvin: The recent visit of His Highness the Amir to Paris on the occasion of the French National Day on 14 July was a landmark event in the history of our bilateral relations. For the very first time, a Kuwaiti Amir attended the military parade from the presidential tribune, alongside the President of the French Republic. In France, 14 July carries deep national significance, symbolizing the unity of the nation and the founding values of the Republic.

The participation of His Highness the Amir in the Bastille Day parade in Paris as Guest of Honor is thus a powerful symbol, reserved for our closest friends and partners. It reflects the strength of the friendship between our two countries and France’s appreciation of Kuwait as a trusted partner. This visit also took place on the eve of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations, which we will celebrate in 2026. On this occasion, the Foreign Ministers of our two countries signed a Declaration of Intent aimed at strengthening cultural cooperation.

It provides for joint celebrations in both France and Kuwait. Events will be organized in both countries to promote Kuwaiti culture in France and French culture in Kuwait. As Ambassador, I am committed to actively promoting this anniversary throughout 2026, with the aim of further enhancing human and cultural exchanges between our two peoples.

Kuwait Times: In your view, what does this visit signify for political dialogue between the two countries?

Ambassador Gauvin: During this visit, His Highness the Amir was invited by the President of the Republic to a working lunch, which was attended notably by the Defense and Foreign Ministers of both countries. I welcome the intensification of these high-level exchanges. It is essential that France and Kuwait continue their political dialogue, based on our shared commitment to multilateralism, international law, and regional stability.

The discussions held on 14 July followed the visit of our Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, to Kuwait on 24 April 2025. These high-level exchanges demonstrate our shared ambition to strengthen coordination in the face of regional crises, especially as Kuwait currently holds the presidency of the GCC. The visit also aimed to pave the way for joint development financing, through enhanced cooperation between the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and the French Development Agency (AFD).

Both agencies have expressed a shared interest in deepening their partnership in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, and Syria, to address the needs of local populations for access to drinking water and healthcare services. The two development banks will continue their dialogue, with a view to co-financing initial projects in the 2025–2026 timeframe.

Kuwait Times: France and Kuwait share long-standing and structured defense cooperation. In your opinion, what are the pillars of this long-term relationship?

Ambassador Gauvin: Defense cooperation between our two countries is based on a solid and longstanding foundation. France and Kuwait have stood together during the most decisive moments, united by a clear commitment to sovereignty and security. The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, followed by the liberation war, was a decisive turning point in our bilateral relationship. Eighteen thousand French soldiers fought alongside their Kuwaiti brothers-in-arms. This shared experience forged strong, lasting, and uniquely deep bonds, which are still keenly felt within the French armed forces today. Furthermore, our defense agreement signed in 1992 remains the oldest such agreement concluded by France in the Gulf region. It reflects a relationship based on trust, loyalty, and continuity—values that form the foundation of our cooperation and ensure its long-term sustainability.

Kuwait Times: In a regional context marked by persistent tensions, how does Franco-Kuwaiti security cooperation contribute to Gulf stability?

Ambassador Gauvin: The 21st century is characterized by the emergence of new and asymmetric threats—often multidimensional in nature. In this context, it is crucial to rethink and comprehensively modernize our defense tools. Strengthening the capabilities of our armed forces—whether through advanced training, innovative equipment, or high-value strategic technologies—is a central focus of our cooperation. Our defense and security partnership therefore carries strategic significance. It is built on officer training programs, joint exercises such as Pearl of the West and Arabian Breeze, and continuous operational dialogue between our armed forces.

This cooperation continues to grow, as shown by the upcoming Pearl of the West exercise scheduled for 2026—a large-scale quadrilateral exercise involving more than 500 French troops. During their recent meeting in Paris, our two heads of state welcomed the reinforcement of the security partnership, in particular the potential deployment of a French Gendarmerie liaison officer to the Kuwaiti National Guard. In a region that is constantly evolving, this cooperation remains highly relevant. It reflects our shared commitment to working together for security and stability in the Gulf.

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Kuwait, UK leaders discuss strengthening bilateral ties

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Crown Prince, Starmer exchange calls • Coast Guard discusses security with UK official

KUWAIT: Kuwait and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their strong bilateral relations in a series of high-level discussions this week, covering diplomacy, regional security, and maritime cooperation. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received a telephone call on Wednesday from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to review the “distinguished and close” relations between the two countries and explore ways to further enhance them.

Prime Minister Starmer wished His Highness continued health and wellbeing, and expressed hopes for Kuwait’s ongoing progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In response, the Crown Prince thanked the Prime Minister, describing the communication as a reflection of the “deep and solid” ties between the two friendly nations. He emphasized the shared commitment to further strengthen historical relations and expand cooperation across all fields, wishing continued prosperity to the UK and its people.

According to a statement from the UK foreign affairs department, the Prime Minister said the UK would work with close allies including Kuwait to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. The Prime Minister added that he felt a strong sense of responsibility that this plan delivered an end to the fighting in Gaza and a long-term pathway to peace.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.

In parallel developments, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Defense Council, presided over a meeting of the council at Bayan Palace to review key regional developments and recent international affairs.

On the security front, Kuwait’s Coast Guard Director-General, Commodore Mubarak Ali Al-Sabah met with the UK’s Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren to discuss shared security interests and ways to enhance cooperation. The meeting took place at Sabah Al-Ahmad Coast Guard Base and included senior Coast Guard officials.

During the visit, Commodore Mubarak Al-Sabah highlighted the “historical depth” of Kuwait-UK relations and the ongoing development of military and security cooperation. Admiral Ahlgren was briefed on recent updates at the Coast Guard, including the new coastal monitoring system and the integration of naval drones into Kuwait’s maritime fleet. The visit underlined both countries’ shared commitment to strategic cooperation in security and maritime domains, aiming to strengthen regional stability and safeguard mutual interests. — Agencies

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Kuwaiti PM rep. reaffirms commitment to dialogue, regional security

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 ALULA, Saudi Arabia: Representing His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah stressed Wednesday that Kuwait’s participation in Munich Security Conference (MSC) Leaders Meeting, reflects commitment to regional dialogue and cooperation.

In remarks to KUNA, on the sidelines of the meeting in AlUla city, Sheikh Fahad condemned Israeli aggression against Qatar and Gaza as a violation of international law, emphasizing that the assault posed a direct threat to Gulf collective security and broader regional stability, urging urgent international attention.

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He noted that the meeting provided a vital platform to discuss pressing global and regional security challenges, particularly the escalating conflicts and humanitarian tragedies in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, where participants agreed sustainable security remains impossible amid ongoing Israeli aggression.

He warned of grave consequences from escalating conflicts caused by Israeli occupation’s aggression, stressing risks to Gulf stability, while noting deliberations also addressed maritime and energy security, non-proliferation, food and water security, economic challenges, and shared transnational threats facing the international community.Reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment under its current presidency of the GCC, Sheikh Fahad stressed the importance of bolstering collective security, unifying Gulf positions, and strengthening regional and international partnerships, while praising Saudi Arabia’s warm hospitality and MSC’s role in organizing this vital meeting. — KUNA

 

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Deliveroo Kuwait unveils exclusive global dishes

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KUWAIT: Deliveroo Kuwait is serving up a global culinary journey with the launch of the new dishes from “The Exchange Program”. The first-of-its-kind initiative sent four of Kuwait’s top chefs abroad to explore viral food trends. Each created a fusion dish inspired by their journey, available exclusively on Deliveroo.

The program kicked off with Chef Khaled Al-Baker of Young Po, who took inspiration from the bustling streets of Seoul, South Korea, to introduce Rabokki. The dish combines chewy rice cakes and ramen noodles in a spicy, savory sauce, bringing the authentic flavors of Korean street food straight to Kuwait.

From Rome, Italy, Chef Faisal Al-Nashmi of San Ristorante is introducing the Maritozzi Box. Featuring indulgent cream-filled buns, the dish captures the essence of Italy’s sweet traditions while adding Chef Al-Nashmi’s modern touch. Chef Sawsan Daana of Matbakhi is channeling the spirit of Athens, Greece, with the Savory Souffra. Inspired by the communal dining tables of the Mediterranean, this dish celebrates togetherness through a vibrant spread of flavors that highlight the richness and warmth of Greek cuisine.

Finally, OH G!’s Chef Ghalia Hayat is bringing a taste of London, England, with the Donut Pudding Ice Cream. Reinventing classic British desserts, this whimsical dish brings together Hayat’s salted caramel pudding ice cream with a decadent chocolatey fudge swirl and chunks of donut, to deliver a unique sweet experience that will surprise and delight.

Deliveroo Kuwait’s Exchange Program is more than just a menu — it’s a cultural experience. By spotlighting Kuwaiti chefs and their creative reinterpretations of international dishes, the program bridges food trends with local talent, inviting customers to explore the world without leaving their homes. All dishes are available now and for a limited time, exclusively on Deliveroo Kuwait.

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