Latest news with #Elysee
Kuwait Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
French presidency underscores significance of Amir's official visit
Kuwaiti-French ties marked by strategic partnership and shared vision PARIS: The French Presidency on Sunday affirmed the special significance of the official visit by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France — his first since assuming leadership of the State of Kuwait. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the Elysee Palace stressed that the visit underscores the depth of historical relations and serves to reinforce the longstanding comprehensive partnership between the two friendly nations. The statement highlighted that the visit reflects the mutual desire of both countries to bolster cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including diplomacy, defense, economy, education, health, culture and scientific research. It noted that the visit is rooted in the robust bilateral ties characterized by mutual trust and respect, and represents a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to advancing this strategic partnership. The Elysee added that the visit will also strengthen coordination in addressing regional challenges and will include His Highness the Amir attending the Bastille Day military parade on July 14 alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. His Highness is also scheduled to hold a working luncheon with the French leader at the Elysee Palace. Kuwaiti-French relations, the statement noted, are founded on historic solidarity, with France being among the first countries to recognize Kuwait's independence and offering vital support during the 1991 liberation. This historical support has laid the foundation for enduring political trust and continued high-level engagement between the two nations. The two sides maintain close cooperation in international forums and share converging views on several global issues, particularly on the respect for international law and the promotion of mediation and peaceful conflict resolution. On the economic front, bilateral trade between Kuwait and France reached approximately €2.8 billion (around $3.27 billion) in 2023, with France ranking as Kuwait's fourth-largest trading partner in Europe. French companies maintain a strong presence in Kuwait, particularly in the sectors of infrastructure, energy, and construction. Cultural and educational ties also continue to thrive, with France supporting the French language and culture in Kuwait through institutions such as the French School and the French Institute. More than 1,000 students benefit from joint academic programs, while a growing number of Kuwaiti students pursue higher education in France. In the health sector, leading French medical institutions — including the Gustave Roussy Institute — are contributing to the development of Kuwait's healthcare services through specialized projects and technical consultations, reflecting expanding collaboration in public service and development fields. Relations between Kuwait and France stand as a model of enduring friendship and strong partnership, the Elysee emphasized, noting both nations' mutual commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in a manner that supports regional and global stability. Earlier Sunday, His Highness the Amir departed Kuwait, heading to Paris on an official visit. He is accompanied by an official delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and a number of senior state officials. — KUNA
Arab Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Amir begins historic France visit
PARIS, July 13: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, accompanied by an official delegation, arrived in France on Sunday for an official visit. His Highness the Amir was received upon arrival at the airport by Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al- Awadhi, Kuwait's Ambassador to France Abdullah Al-Shaheen, the head of security and safety of Paris airports, Stephane Daguin, the French Embassy's Military Attache to Kuwait Colonel Francois Dickes, along with the Kuwaiti Embassy staff and heads of affiliated and technical offices accredited in the French capital, Paris. His Highness the Amir is accompanied by an official delegation that includes Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, and Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and several senior state officials. The visit by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France will be of great importance, adding to the illustrious ties linking the two countries, said Kuwait Ambassador to France Abdullah Al-Shaheen on Sunday. Speaking to KUNA, Al-Shaheen affirmed that the visit, upon the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, would explore more venues of cooperation, solidifying the six-decade strategic partnership and shared vision of both countries. The visit also comes at a time when France is celebrating its national day on July 14, he added, noting that it would exemplify the strength of ties and eagerness to open new horizons of cooperation. The Kuwaiti diplomat affirmed that commercial and economic relations had expanded, especially within renewable energy, technology, and green economy, domains that were in line with Kuwait's development vision 2035. He also stressed that cultural and scientific exchange had increased within recent years, asserting that the Kuwaiti embassy in France would carry on its missions to bring both countries closer in terms of mutual interests and benefits. Meanwhile, the French Presidential Palace (Elysee) affirmed that His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's visit to France embodied the deep historical ties and distinguished partnership between the two friendly countries. The Elysee, in a statement obtained by KUNA, said that this visit, the first by His Highness to France since assuming power, came within the framework of strong relations based on trust and mutual respect. The two sides seek to develop their relations in a way that enhances the strategic partnership in various sectors, including diplomacy, defense, the economy, education, health, culture, and scientific research. The Amir's visit also comes as the two countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of their relations in 2026, an occasion that affirms the depth of the historical ties between the two countries. His Highness will visit Paris on Sunday and Monday to attend the official military parade marking France's National Day (Bastille Day) on July 14, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, and then the two will meet up at the Elysee Palace for a work lunch. France was among the first countries to support Kuwait's independence and actively contributed to its liberation in 1991, strengthening ties of political trust and laying a solid foundation for growing Kuwaiti-French relations. The two countries are keen to strengthen this relationship through high-level meetings and ongoing cooperation in international forums, where their views converge on many issues, particularly respect for international law and support for mediation and dialogue efforts to resolve disputes peacefully. On the economic front, the amount of trade exchange between the two countries reached approximately EUR 2.8 billion in 2023, with France ranking fourth among Kuwait's European trading partners, with French companies active in the fields of infrastructure, energy, and construction. In the cultural field, France continues to support the French language and culture in Kuwait through the French School and the French Institute, with more than 1,000 students benefitting from joint educational programs, while Kuwaiti students participate in academic and university programs in France. Additionally, French medical institutions such as the Gustave Roussy Institute, contribute to supporting the Kuwaiti health sector through technical consultations and specialized projects. Kuwaiti-French relations are an example of a strong partnership and long-standing friendship, which both sides are keen to continuously develop to enhance bilateral cooperation and support stability in the region and the world.(KUNA)
Al Arabiya
13-07-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Macron to raise French defense targets, citing Russia threat
President Emmanuel Macron is on Sunday to set new French defense targets in the face of a menacing Russia and a potential United States disengagement from Europe, his office said. 'Defense efforts' must be made in the face of mounting threats and a disintegrating world order, Elysee officials said ahead of the president's 7:00 pm (1700 GMT) speech to the armed forces, traditionally held on the eve of France's national Bastille Day holiday. Despite France's difficult budgetary situation, the president's announcements will be 'major,' they said. French military and security officials have been warning of global threats weighing on France, with Defense Chief of Staff Chief Thierry Burkhard saying on Friday that Russia posed a 'durable' threat to Europe and that the 'rank of European countries in tomorrow's world' was being decided in Ukraine, invaded by Russia in 2022. Russia currently views France as its 'main adversary in Europe' Burkhard said. He also warned of the consequences of a diminished US commitment to Europe, along with cyber threats, disinformation campaigns and the risk of terror attacks. 'We have to take account of the fact that there has been a change in strategic parameters,' he said. On Sunday, Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu weighed in, telling the La Tribune weekly newspaper that 'it's our job to provide answers.' France needed to make 'a new effort' if it wanted to 'depend on nobody' in the future, the minister said. France's defense budget has already increased sharply since Macron took power, rising from 32.2 billion euros ($37.6 billion at current rates) in 2017 to 50.5 billion currently, and is projected to reach 67 billion euros in 2030. 'Sacrosanct' defense budget Any major defense spending boost could, however, threaten French efforts to cut deficits and reduce its debt mountain, amid pressure from the EU Commission on Paris to impose more fiscal discipline. The servicing of France's debt alone will cost the Treasury 62 billion euros this year. But Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, who on Tuesday is to outline his budget plan for 2026, has declared the defense budget to be 'sacrosanct' and exempt from budgetary cuts. Several NATO countries are boosting their military spending, after the alliance's members agreed last month to spend five percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on security. Britain aims to increase its defense budget to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027, and to 3.0 percent after 2029. Germany plans to reach a defense budget of 162 billion euros by 2029, equivalent to 3.5 percent of its GDP, while Poland already dedicates 4.7 percent of GDP to defense. 'Very clearly, we need to revise our programming and strategy today, in light of the changing nature of risks,' Macron said on Thursday. Lecornu this month detailed the most urgent needs for the French armed forces, including ground-to-air defenses, ammunition, electronic warfare and space capabilities. In Sunday's interview, he said France was mostly worried about falling behind in 'disruptive technologies' including artificial intelligence and quantum technology. Beyond budget increases, the French government is also seeking to boost 'national cohesion' in the face of global crises. Macron is expected to outline a potential mobilization drive for young people who should be given 'an opportunity to serve,' Elysee officials said.
Kuwait Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Elysee: Kuwait Amir visit to France embodies deep historical ties
PARIS: The French Presidential Palace (Elysee) affirmed that His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's visit to France embodied the deep historical ties and distinguished partnership between the two friendly countries. The Elysee, in a statement obtained by KUNA, said that this visit, the first by His Highness to France since assuming power, came within the framework of strong relations based on trust and mutual respect. The two sides seek to develop their relations in a way that enhances the strategic partnership in various sectors, including diplomacy, defense, the economy, education, health, culture, and scientific research. The Amir's visit also comes ahead of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and France in 1961, an occasion that affirms the depth of the historical ties between the two countries. His Highness will visit Paris on Sunday and Monday to attend the official military parade marking France's National Day (Bastille Day) on July 14, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, and then the two will meet up at the Elysee Palace for a work lunch. France was among the first countries to support Kuwait's independence and actively contributed to its liberation in 1991, strengthening ties of political trust and laying a solid foundation for growing Kuwaiti-French relations. The two countries are keen to strengthen this relationship through high-level meetings and ongoing cooperation in international forums, where their views converge on many issues, particularly respect for international law and support for mediation and dialogue efforts to resolve disputes peacefully. On the economic front, the amount of trade exchange between the two countries reached approximately EUR 2.8 billion in 2023, with France ranking fourth among Kuwait's European trading partners, with French companies active in the fields of infrastructure, energy, and construction. In the cultural field, France continues to support the French language and culture in Kuwait through the French School and the French Institute, with more than 1,000 students benefitting from joint educational programs, while Kuwaiti students participate in academic and university programs in France. Additionally, French medical institutions such as the Gustave Roussy Institute, contribute to supporting the Kuwaiti health sector through technical consultations and specialized projects. Kuwaiti-French relations are an example of a strong partnership and long-standing friendship, which both sides are keen to continuously develop to enhance bilateral cooperation and support stability in the region and the world. —KUNA
ABC News
13-07-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
France agrees to New Caledonian state and nationality, but not independence
France has announced an agreement aimed at granting more autonomy to New Caledonia in the south Pacific, but stopped short of the independence sought by many Indigenous Kanaks. The agreement — hailed by President Emmanuel Macron as ″historic'' — still needed final approval in New Caledonia, a nickel-rich archipelago east of Australia. The accord may face a vote in February by New Caledonians who are divided on their views on independence. It proposed the creation of a ″state of Caledonia″ within the French republic and inscribed in the French constitution, and the creation of a ''Caledonian nationality″ alongside French nationality, according to excerpts viewed by The Associated Press. It was reached after 10 days of negotiations — including a final overnight marathon — with representatives of the central government and those on both sides of the independence question. The talks stemmed from months of unrest that broke out in May 2024 after Paris planned to give voting rights to thousands of non-Indigenous long-term residents. Kanaks feared this would leave them in a permanent minority, crushing their chances of winning independence. As part of the agreement, New Caledonia residents will in the future only be allowed to vote after having lived 10 years on the archipelago. The accord will help "us get out of the spiral of violence,'' said Emmanuel Tjibaou, a Kanak politician who participated in the talks on Saturday evening in the Elysee presidential palace in Paris. He described a ''difficult path'' ahead but one that would allow Kanaks and other Caledonians to move forward together as ''us'' instead of divided. Those seeking to keep New Caledonia firmly in the French fold hailed the accord. Politcian Nicolas Metzdorf called it a compromise born of ''demanding dialogue,'' and described the Caledonian nationality as a ″real concession''. A special congress will be held to finalise next steps, which could include more sovereignty for New Caledonia over issues of international affairs, security and justice, according to excerpts published by New Caledonia's public broadcaster. The accord could also eventually allow New Caledonians to change the territory's name, flag and hymn. Cammi Webb-Gannon researched decolonisation in the Pacific at the University of Wollongong and said the agreement might not be what Indigenous groups wanted, especially young activists who called for their elders and leaders to push for more independence and justice. She also said the agreement still gave voting rights to long-term residents, a trigger for the protests, so more work needed to be done to improve political representation for the country's Indigenous population. But Dr Webb-Gannon said the accord is a "step in the right direction" and showed that France was listening to the sentiment coming from New Caledonia. Participants stressed the importance of rehabilitating and diversifying New Caledonia's indebted economy, which depends heavily on nickel mining, and making it less reliant on the French mainland. Last year's violence, which claimed the lives of 14 people, is estimated to have cost the territory two billion euros ($3.6 billion), shaving 10 per cent off its gross domestic product, he said. Both chambers of France's parliament are to meet in the fourth quarter this year to vote on approving the deal, which is then to be submitted to New Caledonians in a referendum in 2026. There have been three previous referendums since 2018, which all rejected New Caledonian independence. But the last referendum held in 2021 was boycotted by pro-independence groups who were mourning COVID-19 deaths which disproportionately affected the Kanak population. She said the violence last May was the "result of a sense of overall despair" from previous referendums that were seen not to take the Indigenous vote into account. Dr Webb-Gannon said it was still "unclear" what impact this accord will have in practice to quell pro-independence tensions but Kanak politician Emmanuel Tjibaou at the centre of negotiations was well supported by locals. He was also the son of assassinated leader Jean-Marie Tjibaou, who sought interdependence with France, that means an independent state without animosity towards it or any of the other nations whose people settled in New Caledonia. "His really was a vision for peace with justice. "The legacy that [Emmanuel] is continuing to work towards his father's vision is promising." France colonised the Pacific archipelago in the 1850s, and it became an overseas territory after World War II, with French citizenship granted to all Kanaks in 1957. ABC/AP/AFP
