ShareKUWAIT: His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah highlighted the profound impact of French culture on various aspects of human civilization, from history and technology to literature, philosophy, politics, and art. During a reception commemorating International Francophonie Day, an event held annually under his patronage, he described celebrating Francophonie as a recognition of the scientific and technological advancements of modern civilization.
These achievements, he noted, have facilitated global communication and research, spanning vast distances and addressing challenges like energy, healthcare, and agriculture. Acknowledging the contributions of contemporary civilization post-World War II, His Highness emphasized the development of international law to mitigate armed conflicts and promote peaceful relations among nations.
He also praised the establishment of the United Nations and the International Court of Justice as crucial steps towards ensuring human rights and accountability for atrocities. His Highness affirmed Kuwait’s unwavering commitment to supporting these values, particularly, amidst ongoing global challenges, as they are essential for maintaining international peace and security.
Addressing the current situation in Gaza, His Highness condemned the loss and suffering experienced by all communities, emphasizing the urgent need for peace in the region. He called for adherence to United Nations Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2728, which calls for a ceasefire and an end to hostilities. He advocated for a peaceful resolution based on the establishment of a fully sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, promoting religious coexistence and respect for all faiths.
Reflecting on the enduring significance of French language and culture, His Highness noted its continuous contribution to global culture through various institutions and channels of expression. He highlighted Kuwait’s adoption of teaching French in schools since 1966, with approximately 30,000 students engaging in French language learning annually.
His Highness expressed hope for Kuwait’s accession to the International Organization of La Francophonie, further enhancing cultural exchange and cooperation between Kuwait and Francophone countries. He affirmed Kuwait’s commitment to serving as a beacon of culture and arts in the region, fostering mutual understanding and learning from diverse cultural traditions for the benefit of all.
In a press conference held at the event, French Ambassador Claire Le Flécher said that French is the 5th most spoken language in the world, used daily by over 235 million people and understood by nearly 300 million people. She believes this language offers vast possibilities to strengthen communication between people, cultures, and to build the world of tomorrow, which Kuwait understood very early and invested in the teaching of it.
She passed her gratitude to the work of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Research and the General Inspectorate for French Education, because of it French is now the 3rd language taught in Kuwait, a sign of the strong and lasting relations between our two countries. She referred to HH Sheikh Nasser as the father of Francophonie in Kuwait, having initiated the first actions in its favor since the 1980s. That is why she stated that, unanimously, the Council for the Promotion of La Francophonie in Kuwait has chosen him as its Honorary President.
