A French Navy frigate made a port call at Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait on 3 and 4 December, reflecting the depth of defense cooperation between both countries who will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026.

In addition to servicing a significant amount of equipment and interacting with the Kuwaiti Navy, this port call provided an opportunity to showcase the French Navy vessel and its missions through dedicated visits and a high-level reception attended by civilian, military, and diplomatic figures.

After docking at Shuwaikh Port, the frigate, at the invitation of its commanding officer, Captain Pierre-Louis Josselin, welcomed the French Ambassador to Kuwait, Olivier Gauvin, as well as Rear Admiral Hugues Lainé, Commander of the French Forces in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Indian Ocean Maritime Zone, in the presence of the French Defense Attaché to Kuwait, Colonel Jérôme Bouju.

The ship also welcomed a group of visitors, including high school students participating in the “Young Ambassador” program, to introduce them to the vessel and its advanced equipment and logistics, showcasing the high level of technology and performance of the French Navy, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.

The French frigate is under the command of Rear Admiral Hugues Lainé, Commander of the French Maritime Zone (ALINDIEN) and the French Forces in the UAE. He exercises authority over French naval vessels and aircraft operating in a maritime area extending from south of the Suez Canal in the west to the western borders of Myanmar, Indonesia, and Australia in the east. The French Forces deployed there are tasked with contributing to stability and peace in the region, ensuring maritime security, conducting military operations, participating in the protection of French citizens, and strengthening French defense policy by fostering bilateral military relations with various countries in the region.

The French Navy maintains a continuous presence in strategic areas of the world and safeguards the security of international maritime spaces. Its Naval Forces maintain a deterrent and visible posture, reflecting France’s commitment to maritime security. Through close cooperation with its allies and partners, including the State of Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the French Navy enhances interoperability and collective efficiency, serving regional stability and peace.

On the evening of December 3, 2025, a reception was held aboard the frigate at the invitation of its commanding officer and the French Ambassador to Kuwait, in the presence of Rear Admiral Hugues Lainé, Commander of the French Forces in the UAE and Indian Ocean Maritime Zone.

The event was distinguished by the presence of civilian and military authorities, high-ranking officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and defense attachés serving in Kuwait. This allowed for highlighting the depth of the French-Kuwaiti defense partnership and celebrating the French-Kuwaiti friendship on the eve of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

On this occasion, the French Ambassador to Kuwait recalled the depth of the French-Kuwaiti friendship, which was exemplified during the visit of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to France, where he attended the official military parade on Bastille Day, July 14, in Paris, alongside the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron. Ambassador Olivier Gauvin stated: “This naval stop in Kuwait today reflects the strength of the defense partnership between our two countries, a partnership built on solid foundations.

France and Kuwait have stood together, at the most critical moments, through a clear commitment to sovereignty and security. The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the subsequent liberation war marked a decisive turning point in this relationship. 18,000 French soldiers fought alongside the Kuwaiti Armed Forces. This experience forged strong, enduring, and deep ties, the effects of which are still felt today within the Armed Forces of both countries.

Furthermore, the 1992 defense agreement, renewed in 2009, remains the oldest France has concluded in the Gulf region. Under this agreement, bilateral cooperation in the defense field is characterized by joint exercises and drills such as “Pearl of the West,” ”Swift Falcon,” and “Arabian Breeze,” as well as cooperation in armament and the training of Kuwaiti officers by the French Armed Forces.

In the naval domain, the Kuwaiti and French navies are well acquainted, thanks to a wide range of training programs available to Kuwaiti Officers, particularly in Cherbourg, home to the prestigious French naval academy École Navale. This strategic cooperation also extends to the land forces, with an increasing number of Kuwaiti Officers being sent for training at Saint-Cyr Military Academy.