Kuwait and France signed eight cooperation agreements covering investment, aviation, defence, artificial intelligence, scientific research and healthcare during French President Emmanuel Macron's official visit to Kuwait on October 19.
The agreements, memorandums and declarations of intent were signed at Bayan Palace in the presence of Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Macron, following talks aimed at expanding economic, trade and investment ties, according to state news agency KUNA.
The meeting was attended by Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and senior officials from both countries.
The package included a declaration of intent to promote direct investment and a separate arrangement between the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) and European aircraft manufacturer Airbus to explore strategic cooperation in aviation.
KIA and Kuwait's Ministry of Health also signed a joint declaration of intent with France's Gustave Roussy cancer institute to explore healthcare cooperation.
Other initiatives covered exploratory cooperation in data and artificial intelligence between Kuwait's communications and information technology authorities and French company Pertimm, alongside a memorandum between the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences and Airbus.
The two governments also signed declarations of intent covering defence, civil aviation and academic, scientific and technical cooperation.
The agreements build on a strategic investment partnership announced in July 2025 for the period 2025–2035, covering sectors including energy, technology, healthcare and aerospace.
France imported goods worth nearly €2bn from Kuwait and exported approximately €700mn to the country, French Foreign Trade Minister Nicolas Forissier said in December 2025.
During the visit, Kuwait's Emir awarded Macron the Order of Mubarak the Great, while Macron presented the Emir with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest rank in France's national order.
The leaders also discussed regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East. Amiri Diwan Affairs Minister Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah said the talks reflected continued consultations between the two countries.
Macron began his four-nation Gulf tour in Kuwait, with further stops scheduled in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar through October 21. According to the Élysée, France is seeking additional oil and diesel supplies while strengthening regional economic and security partnerships.
Senior executives from French energy groups TotalEnergies (Euronext: TTE) and Engie (Euronext: ENGI) are accompanying the president as Paris seeks to ease pressure on domestic fuel supplies.
The visit comes against a backdrop of regional energy disruption. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation declared force majeure and reduced crude production in March after conflict involving Iran disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for Gulf energy exports.
Macron also faces domestic political pressure following demonstrations and violent unrest across several French cities over the weekend.
The tour follows his visit to the UAE in December 2025, continuing France's diplomatic engagement with Gulf states.
No investment values, binding financing commitments or implementation timetables were announced for the eight cooperation instruments.