Arab World Institute President Seeks to Strengthen Cultural Ties Between Kuwait and France

Anne-Claire Legendre, now President of the Arab World Institute and a former French ambassador to Kuwait, has returned to the country as part of the delegation that accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron during his official visit. She remained in Kuwait for an extra day, using the time to renew her connections with the nation and to explore ways of deepening the already longstanding cultural bonds between Kuwait and France.

Significance of the Visit for the Arab World Institute

In an interview with Kuwait Times, Legendre was asked about the significance of her first trip to Kuwait as head of the Arab World Institute taking place within the framework of the French president’s official visit. She replied that she had the honour of accompanying President Macron during his visit to Kuwait on 19 October 2026. The trip allowed her to hold a series of discussions in the cultural sphere. She stressed that culture, heritage and human exchanges occupy an essential place in the rich, shared history of Franco-Kuwaiti relations.

Personal Resonance and Reconnections

Legendre noted that this visit to Kuwait held a very special resonance for her personally. Having previously served as French ambassador in Kuwait, she returned with many fond memories and the joy of reconnecting with friends who are deeply committed to cultural life and the preservation of heritage. Meeting those individuals again, and also engaging with a new generation of creators, gave the visit a truly special dimension. She explained that cultural relations are built over time, fostered by the trust and friendships that allow projects to emerge and flourish.

Kuwait’s Historical Role and Recent Engagements

Legendre highlighted that Kuwait was involved from the very inception of the Arab World Institute, a project initiated by former French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing. This historic commitment to fostering dialogue between Arab and European cultures provides a valuable foundation for giving new momentum to Franco-Kuwaiti cooperation. She also mentioned that she had the honour of being received in an audience by His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, former Prime Minister and Honorary President of the Council for the Promotion of the Francophonie. She described Sheikh Nasser as a prominent figure within the Francophonie in Kuwait and a steadfast supporter of cultural dialogue between the two nations over the years.