French influence thrives in Kuwait, with Sheikh Nasser praising the worldwide impact of the French language.
In a grand exhibition of class and cultural resonance, Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah passionately voiced his desires for a deeper connection between Kuwait and the Francophone world.
At a glamorous event held under his esteemed patronage, at the French Ambassador's residence, concluding Francophonie Month 2025 (April 13-30), the Sheikh spoke eloquently about the beauty, richness, and ceaseless impact of the French language and Francophone culture.
"Francophonie," he declared, "is far more than a linguistic bond-it's a carrier of an extraordinary cultural legacy that has illuminated minds and shaped civilizations."
Reflecting on his long-standing participation in Francophone celebrations in Kuwait, the Sheikh vocalized his deep admiration for the lasting contributions of Francophonie to modern thought, as well as its role in fostering intercultural dialogues and encouraging aesthetic diversity in an ever-globalizing world.
He lauded French as a beacon of reason and refinement, a language whose intrinsic clarity and precision earned it the title of "the language of logical exactitude." These qualities, he pointed out, have made it indispensable in philosophy, law, and diplomacy. The unwavering guardianship of the French Academy since the 17th century, he added, has preserved the language's structural harmony and intellectual rigor.
"French," the Sheikh continued, "is not only a language of intellect but of exquisite musicality and aesthetic rhythm-its eloquent cadence graces the arts of poetry, music, and storytelling." Its formal elegance and structural balance, he noted, have lent it a unique air, particularly in political and cultural expressions, enabling it to articulate complex philosophical notions with notable clarity, especially during the Enlightenment era.
He traced the historic role of the French language in European intellectual legacy, describing it as the preferred tongue of kings, ambassadors, and thinkers across the continent from the 17th to the late 19th century. "Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, Montesquieu, Pascal-their everlasting wisdom flowed through French," he said, spotlighting the language's pivotal role in propagating ideals such as rationalism, tolerance, and human rights.
French, he added, has given birth to a constellation of literary and artistic masterpieces-from the novels of Balzac and Flaubert to the theatrical works of Molière and Corneille, to the poetic reveries of Baudelaire and Rimbaud. "Indeed," he declared, "no other language has garnered as many Nobel Prizes in Literature." French culture, he affirmed, still shapes global art, fashion, and cinema, from the Impressionists' brushstrokes to the revolutionary lens of the French New Wave.
"Francophonie," the Sheikh concluded, "is not merely a vehicle of words, but a noble edifice of cultural memory, intellectual refinement, and humanist values." He reiterated that French remains a vital language of diplomacy and international discourse, gracing institutions such as the United Nations with its authority and eloquence.
Showcasing Kuwait's commitment to cultural diversity, the Sheikh repeated the country's dedication to nurturing Francophone presence, ensuring that Kuwait remains an vibrant haven of knowledge and creativity. "Our doors," he said, "will remain wide open to the finest expressions of global culture, from which we draw inspiration and mutual enrichment."
The Sheikh expressed pride in witnessing the global presence of the French language—from the icy coasts of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon to the warm shores of New Caledonia and Haiti, from the great plains of Canada to the vastness of Africa. "May it flourish further," he hoped, "until its resonance reaches even the polar extremes of our world."
Speaking on the occasion, French Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Olivier Goffin, praised the spirit of unity that fueled this year's Francophonie celebrations. He credited the efforts of the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie—comprising 44 diplomatic missions—for curating a vibrant and all-inclusive cultural program, especially as it coincides with Kuwait's distinction as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025.
"Francophonie," the Ambassador noted, "embodies the values of inclusivity and cultural richness. Spoken by over 320 million people across more than 130 countries—including half a million in Kuwait alone—the French language fosters a shared global dialogue."
He emphasized that Francophonie is not a tool of uniformity, but a celebration of cultural diversity—a principle that underpins its thriving presence in Kuwaiti schools, where over 50,000 students study French annually.
The "Francophonie Lives" festival, launched on April 13, featured a mosaic of French-language cultural events, arts, and performances, uniting voices from across continents in celebration of a shared heritage.
- The Sheikh declared that Francophonie is more than a linguistic bond; it's a carrier of an extraordinary cultural legacy that has illuminated minds and shaped civilizations.
- French culture still shapes global art, fashion, and cinema, from the Impressionists' brushstrokes to the revolutionary lens of the French New Wave.
- The Sheikh affirmed that French remains a vital language of diplomacy and international discourse, gracing institutions such as the United Nations with its authority and eloquence.
- Speaking on the occasion, the French Ambassador to Kuwait noted that Francophonie embodies the values of inclusivity and cultural richness, with over 320 million people across more than 130 countries speaking the French language, including half a million in Kuwait alone.
