Kuwait city: A French Navy frigate made a port call at Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait, underscoring the robust defense cooperation between France and Kuwait. This visit reflects the enduring friendship between the two nations, which are set to celebrate the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2026. The port call facilitated equipment servicing and interactions with the Kuwaiti Navy, while also offering an opportunity to exhibit the frigate and its missions through organized visits and a high-level reception attended by civilian, military, and diplomatic figures.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the frigate's docking at Shuwaikh Port was marked by the presence of French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin, Rear Admiral Hugues Lain©, Commander of the French Forces in the United Arab Emirates and the Indian Ocean Maritime Zone, and Colonel J©r´me Bouju, the French Defense Attach© to Kuwait. The ship also welcomed a group of visitors, including high school students in the "Young Ambassador" program, to showcase its advanced equipment and logistics, highlighting the technological prowess and capability of the French Navy.
The frigate operates under the command of Rear Admiral Hugues Lain©, who oversees French naval vessels and aircraft in a maritime area stretching from south of the Suez Canal to the western borders of Myanmar, Indonesia, and Australia. The forces are tasked with ensuring regional stability and peace, maritime security, and conducting military operations, while also bolstering bilateral military relations with countries in the region.
The French Navy maintains a continuous operational presence in strategic global areas, safeguarding international maritime security. Through cooperation with allies and partners, including Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the French Navy enhances interoperability and collective efficiency, promoting regional stability and peace.
A reception was held aboard the frigate, hosted by Captain Pierre-Louis Josselin and Ambassador Olivier Gauvin, with the presence of Rear Admiral Hugues Lain©. The event was attended by civilian and military authorities, high-ranking officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, reinforcing the French-Kuwaiti defense partnership on the eve of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Notable attendees included Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Meshal Al-Sabah, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Europe Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marefi, Commander of Kuwait's Naval Force Rear Adm. Saif Al-Hamlan, and Acting Director General of KUNA Mohammad Al-Manaie.
Ambassador Gauvin emphasized the depth of the French-Kuwaiti friendship, recalling the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France for the Bastille Day parade. He remarked on the historical defense partnership, citing the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the subsequent liberation as pivotal moments in the relationship, with 18,000 French soldiers fighting alongside Kuwaiti forces.
Captain Pierre-Louis Josselin expressed gratitude to Shuwaikh Port authorities and the Kuwaiti people for their hospitality, highlighting the long-standing defense partnership and the training of numerous Kuwaiti non-commissioned officers in France.
Under the 1992 defense agreement, renewed in 2009, France and Kuwait engage in joint exercises and drills, such as "Pearl of the West," "Swift Falcon," and "Arabian Breeze," along with cooperation in armament and officer training. The navies of both nations are well acquainted through distinguished training programs, extending to land forces with Kuwaiti officers training at the Saint-Cyr Military Academy.