Since France is celebrating its National Day, what is the significance of this occasion?
The French National Day is called the 14th of July as we celebrate it in France precisely on that day since the 19th century. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, the symbolic day marking the beginning of a new era based on the abolition of privileges, on equality between citizens and freedom, as it is expressed in the motto of our Republic, “liberté, égalité, fraternité”.
Nowadays, it is a celebration of the national union to which the French are very attached. Because Ramadan falls in July this year, we decided with the Kuwaiti authorities to celebrate it exceptionally on the 22nd of June.
How do you assess the bilateral relations between France and Kuwait? A brief history.
This year we are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries. In the summer of 1962, France recognised the establishment of a new Kuwaiti State, despite the tense regional context at that time. Two years later, in the spring of 1964, the first Ambassador was nominated here in Kuwait. Today I am the seventieth Ambassador of that lineage honoured to serve the good diplomatic relations between our two countries. Furthermore, my task was made easy here in Kuwait as a result of the close ties our two countries share, and the strong friendship and trust built from the very first days. No Kuwaiti is unaware that France sent its army in February 1991 to liberate the country.
How do you plan to strengthen the economic and political relations during your tenure?
Economic diplomacy is at the core of my action in Kuwait. I am working actively on a daily basis to strengthen our economic and commercial relations. Last February we held the French-Kuwaiti Economic joint committee in Paris, and on that occasion I had the pleasure of welcoming the Minister of Finance, Mr Anas Al Saleh, and the Director General of KIA, Mr Badr Al Saad, with whom my country and myself maintain a very friendly relationship. Our businesses are in the running for numerous future projects. I deeply trust our capacity to move forward, and to raise our economic relations to the level of excellence of our political relations.
France is known for its culture, art and historical sites. Can you tell us about the number of Kuwaiti tourists and your plan to promote tourism?
In 2013 we issued more than 40,000 visas mostly to Kuwaitis. Many people are unaware of this fact, but this figure is higher than the annual production of our Embassies in Riyadh or Beirut. Did you know it? This month of June would have also been exceptionally productive. We are going to beat the 2013 record. We estimate that 1/4 to 1/3 of Kuwaitis visit France at least once a year. Paris in particular is among the three cities most visited by the Kuwaitis every year. Follow us on Instagram @francekoweit and you will see the promotion we do of our touristic destinations.
Can you please brief us about any investment and cultural agreements between the two countries?
We have just signed last February a series of agreements especially in the field of transport and agriculture. Other agreements are forthcoming. I greatly value the democratic teaching of the French language in Kuwaiti public schools, and would like to see it taught to Kuwaiti pupils from the earliest age. We are working hand in hand with the Kuwaiti authorities towards this goal, whilst respecting the programs and education rules of the country.
Could you give us some details about Kuwaiti investment in France?
Kuwait is a sophisticated investor well-informed of investment opportunities in France. According to the annual barometer of Ernst & Young, France ranked 1st in Europe in 2012 in industrial establishments, and 3rd in global appeal, behind the United-Kingdom and Germany. One of the principal investors in France was none other than the United States representing 30% of newly installed projects. Public and private funds are equally important, even though we must admit that we have growth margins. However, you can count on me for moving ahead rapidly.
What does France have to offer to Kuwait in various fields?
In slightly simpler terms, I would say that France is a country of engineers and doctors. French technology is among the most advanced in the world, ahead in sectors which sometimes are lacking in this region of the world. Beyond our luxury products – whose overwhelming hegemony on a global scale is recognised by everyone – today our industries can offer the technology needed by a country we consider a friend and ally such as Kuwait.
I would like to finish here on a more personal note. I arrived in Kuwait a little less than a year ago. Beyond the exceptionally warm hospitality I received in your country, I feel an enormous support and friendship in my daily contacts, in my work, and in my professional relationships. I wish from now on that those contacts I managed to build here in Kuwait, surrounded by the whole Embassy team, will serve to further consolidate our bilateral relationship at all levels.
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