Al-Ghanim boasts Kuwaiti-French historic ties

National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim lauded the historic and deeply-seated Kuwaiti-French relations, hoping that the special relation would open the door for new horizon of economic and trade cooperation. In speech during a luncheon held in his honor by French Senate Speaker Jean-Pierre Bel, Al-Ghanim said that Kuwait is looking forward to developing cooperation between the two countries to new heights and in various domains. Al-Ghanim pointed out that there are huge Kuwaiti investments in France in several sectors. He said that French investors are invited to contribute to development projects in Kuwait. He expressed hopes the joint economic committee meeting which will be held next month will end up with positive outcome to give impetus to bilateral economic relations. Al-Ghanim noted that there are a growing number of Kuwaiti students are sent to study at French educational institutions. Also, the number of Kuwaiti patients who seek treatment at French medical institutions has remarkable ballooned. He recalled the pivotal role of the France in liberating Kuwait from the Iraqi occupation in 1990s as well as in the Kuwait rebuilding. With regard to the political issues, Kuwaiti top lawmaker said that his meetings and discussions with French officials during his visit have revealed that the two countries' stances of several regional issues, mainly the situation in Syria, Iran and Iraq, are almost identical. Al-Ghanim urged the French government to press Israel to stop its illegal practices against Palestinians and their occupied territories as well as the Muslim holy shrines in the occupied East Jerusalem. He thanked Senate Speaker Jean-Pierre Bel for the worm welcome and hospitality to him and his accompanying delegation. For his part, Jean-Pierre Bel said that France is ready to provide Kuwait with the required expertise and to participate in the implementation of infrastructure projects in the country. He applauded Kuwait national airline, Kuwait Airways, decision to purchase new Airbus planes. Jean-Pierre Bel disclosed that the French forces will conduct the biggest joint military exercise in the Gulf region this year with the participation of Kuwaiti forces