Kuwaiti–French relations photo exhibition kicks off at Kuwait National Library

2026-02-07 - 08:47

By Shouq Al-Mulla Special to The Times Kuwait On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the State of Kuwait and the French Republic, the Kuwaiti–French Relations photo exhibition opened today at the Kuwait National Library, Organized in cooperation between the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) and the Embassy of France in Kuwait. The exhibition is part of the 31st Al-Qurain Cultural Festival activities and draws from the personal collection of Researcher Essa Dashti, BEM, presenting a visual narrative that traces the depth and evolution of Kuwaiti–French relations through key historical and cultural moments. In his opening remarks, Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of NCCAL, stated that Kuwaiti–French relations represent a distinguished model of historical friendship and cooperation that extends beyond politics. He expressed pride in the long-standing partnership between NCCAL, the French Institute, and the French Center for Archaeology and Social Sciences in the Arabian Peninsula (CEFREPA), which has been hosted in Kuwait for nearly a decade, reaffirming NCCAL’s commitment to further strengthening cultural cooperation with France. Dr. Al-Jassar also noted that the exhibition features contemporary images of France captured by Kuwaiti photographer Ali Al-Arbash, presented through high-quality photographs taken entirely using mobile devices. For his part, the French Ambassador, H.E. Olivier Gauvin described the exhibition as more than a display of photographs, calling it a collection of living memories that tell the story of an exceptional relationship shaped by history and strengthened by trust. He noted that each image captures key historic moments, carrying both a memory of the past and a promise for the future. Ambassador Gauvin highlighted the historic visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France on July 14, 2025, on the occasion of Bastille Day, as one of the most significant milestones in the partnership. He also emphasized that Kuwaiti–French relations remain strong and forward-looking, supported by cooperation across political, defense, educational, cultural, and economic fields. He further underscored that the relationship was firmly solidified when France played a significant role in supporting Kuwait’s sovereignty and liberation, noting that the bond between the two nations is rooted in shared values and mutual respect. During the event, Ambassador Gauvin officially donated a collection of books to the Kuwait National Library’s newly established Diplomatic Library. The donation includes works on French history and diplomacy, notably a volume on General Charles de Gaulle, a pivotal figure in French history and an influential personality in the early foundations of Kuwaiti–French relations. The Ambassador personally signed the book with a handwritten dedication highlighting the friendship and the enduring ties between the two peoples. Researcher Essa Dashti, BEM, explained that the exhibition runs for three days and features 30 selected photographs from his private archive of approximately 1,000 images, documenting key moments of cultural and diplomatic exchange between Kuwait and France. He highlighted the importance of the newly established Diplomatic Library section at the Kuwait National Library, an initiative by Ms. Siham Al-Azmi, Director General of the National Library of Kuwait, as part of broader efforts to preserve diplomatic history and promote cultural and intellectual exchange. Dashti also announced that his forthcoming official book on Kuwaiti–French relations will be published next week in both Arabic and English. On the sidelines of the opening, attendees planted the Kuwaiti–French Friendship Tree, marking the third friendship tree in the garden of the Kuwait National Library, following the Kuwaiti–British Partnership Tree and the Kuwaiti–Canadian Friendship Tree—symbolizing deep roots and continued, fruitful cooperation between Kuwait and its international partners.