ISTANBUL 

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah arrived in Paris on Sunday for his first official visit to France since assuming office in December 2023, according to local media.

The state news agency KUNA said he was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ali Al-Sabah and Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya.

“The visit reflects the prestigious position of the State of Kuwait with the French leadership and represents a pivotal milestone in the course of relations between the two countries,” said Kuwait’s Ambassador to France, Abdullah Al-Shaheen.

The Elysee said the Kuwaiti emir’s visit “embodies the deep historical ties and distinguished partnership between the two friendly countries.”

Upon his arrival in the French capital, the emir met with Laurent Saint-Martin, France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, along with several members of the French Chamber of Commerce, KUNA reported.

During the meeting, the emir underscored the importance of promoting investment opportunities across key economic sectors and building a competitive economic environment. He also called for enhancing strategic cooperation with major French companies.

He also stressed the need to facilitate knowledge transfer and attract foreign capital to strengthen Kuwait’s national economy and develop its human capital. The Kuwaiti leader highlighted the goal of generating employment opportunities for young Kuwaitis as part of broader efforts to drive national development.

No details were provided about the duration of the visit.

During his stay, the Kuwaiti emir will attend a military parade on Monday to mark Bastille Day (France’s National Day) and will have lunch with President Emmanuel Macron.