Kuwait and France Strengthen Economic Cooperation with Strategic Partnership Agreement

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The Emir of Kuwait and President Emmanuel Macron have announced plans for a strategic investment partnership between the two countries, set to last ten years through 2035, as part of France’s efforts to boost its influence in the Gulf region.

On Monday, Kuwait and France signed a declaration of intent establishing a strategic investment partnership for a ten-year period extending to 2035. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, amid France’s ambitions to expand its presence in the Gulf and the broader Middle East.

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According to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah attended the signing ceremony with President Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris. A second declaration of intent was also signed to promote cultural cooperation and to commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

Following his visit, the Emir returned to Kuwait and sent a thank-you note to President Macron, stating that the visit “reflected the deep historical friendship between our two countries and peoples, a bond that spans over sixty years and continues to grow steadily and successfully, founded on mutual trust and respect.”

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He expressed appreciation for “the spirit of friendliness and positivity that characterized all meetings and discussions held during the visit, offering an opportunity for consultation and exchange of views on matters of mutual interest.”

The Emir expressed confidence that the visit would “further enhance strategic partnerships, develop cooperation, and expand it to broader dimensions in all fields, in line with the aspirations of our two friendly peoples for a brighter and more prosperous future.” He also extended an invitation to President Macron to visit Kuwait “at a suitable time.”

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The visit began with business meetings. According to KUNA, the Emir met with Laurent Saint-Martin, France’s Minister for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, along with several members of the French Chamber of Commerce at his residence in Paris.

The Emir emphasized “the importance of supporting investment opportunities in key sectors, creating a competitive economic environment, and strengthening strategic cooperation with major French companies.” He also stressed the need to “transfer knowledge, attract capital to support the national economy, and develop Kuwaiti human capital to create job opportunities for youth and drive the country’s development.”

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On Sunday, Kuwait’s ambassador to France, Abdullah Al-Shaheen, said the visit “reflects Kuwait’s esteemed standing with the French leadership and represents a pivotal moment in the history of bilateral relations.”

KUNA quoted the Élysée as stating that “the visit confirms the depth of the historical ties between the two nations and reaffirms their commitment to developing them in ways that serve mutual interests, while expressing their desire to intensify coordination in addressing major global crises.”

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Macron and the Emir reportedly sought to “strengthen coordination in facing major regional crises,” particularly as Kuwait holds the presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) this year. The GCC consists of six member states: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. It was established on May 25, 1981, and is headquartered in Riyadh.

This was the Emir’s first visit to France since taking office in December 2023.

France is one of Kuwait’s main European investors, with French companies making up around 50% of all European firms operating in the country. French investments span strategic sectors such as energy, infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and cosmetics.

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Bilateral trade has seen significant growth, driven by major deals such as Airbus aircraft deliveries to Kuwait, expected to continue boosting trade volume.

There are ongoing efforts to improve the business climate and facilitate regulated real estate investment in projects that support industrial and commercial activity, aligned with Kuwait Vision 2035.

Kuwaiti direct investment in France has also grown, particularly in commercial real estate, with new focus areas such as banking and logistics (e.g., National Bank of Kuwait’s expansion in Paris, and Agility’s establishment of a multimodal logistics platform).

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On the defense front, cooperation is underpinned by the 1992 Defense Cooperation Agreement (renewed in 2009), which remains the foundation for military collaboration and provides for support in case of external aggression against Kuwait.

The two countries also participate in joint military drills known as “Pearl of the West,” which continue regularly and reflect the strength of their defense ties and mutual commitment to interoperability. The seventh edition took place between November and December 2022 and involved warships, armored vehicles, and fighter jets.

Kuwait considers France a reliable strategic ally in defense, and a continuous strategic dialogue covers these areas.

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