Kuwait city: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is set to begin an official visit to France on Sunday, marking his first such visit to the European nation. This visit underscores the commitment of both Kuwait and France to enhance and develop their longstanding relationship across multiple sectors.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the relationship between Kuwait and France dates back to August 28, 1961, when France first appointed its Beirut ambassador as an envoy to Kuwait, establishing commercial representation in the Gulf State. Diplomatic ties between the two countries were formally established in 1967. Over the past seven decades, these relations have expanded across various fields, with a significant moment occurring in 1990 when France, under the leadership of the late President Francois Mitterrand, declared Kuwait's sovereignty as non-negotiable and contributed 18,000 troops to help liberate the country.
Reciprocal visits by senior leaders and officials have been a hallmark of the relationship, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening ties. The late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah made several visits to France, engaging in talks to promote bilateral relations. Notably, he visited France during the Iraqi occupation in 1990 and again in 1991 to express gratitude for French support.
In recent years, the relationship has continued to evolve. In January 2017, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, then first deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, participated in an international conference for peace in the Middle East held in Paris. More recently, on April 24, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Kuwait to discuss strengthening relations and signed various accords and memoranda of understanding.
France is a significant investor in Kuwait, particularly in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, transport, health, and cosmetics. French companies represent 50 percent of European businesses operating in Kuwait. The two countries have signed several agreements, starting with a taxation agreement in 1973 and an investment protection pact in 1989. In 2017, another agreement was signed concerning taxation measures.
Military cooperation is a crucial aspect of the bilateral relationship, with France considered a strategic ally by Kuwait, particularly after France's participation in the 1991 liberation coalition. A defense treaty was signed in 1992, followed by another in 2006, enhancing military cooperation and training.
In health and cultural sectors, collaborations have been strengthened with agreements to increase Kuwaiti students in France and foster cultural exchanges. In April 2025, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Kuwait's Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadi and France's Gustave Roussy Hospital, further cementing cooperation in health.
This visit by His Highness the Amir is expected to further fortify these longstanding ties, paving the way for continued collaboration and mutual benefit for both nations.