– France’s President Emmanuel Macron hosted a celebration on Tuesday to mark his country’s involvement in the 1990 Gulf War on the grounds of the military monument, Hotel des Invalides, attended by Kuwaiti Ambassador Sami Al-Sulaiman.

Also in attendance, were senior French army, navy and air force commanders and chiefs-of-staff, past and present.

Under the military codename, Operation Daguet, some 12,000 French troops, alongside allied nations, took part in the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq’s occupation. Iraq, at the time, was led by the late former president Saddam Hussein.

In a speech on the occasion, Ambassador Al-Sulaiman said Kuwait is grateful for “France’s principled and courageous stance” during that time, and its “protection of the independence and sovereignty of Kuwait.” He went on to describe the historic events leading to Kuwait’s 1991 liberation as a “timeless national epic.” The ambassador appreciated Paris’ continued commitment to the security and stability of the Gulf Arab region, including Kuwait.

In a separate statement, the Elysee Palace said France was a “major contributor” to the war, through its commitment by air, naval and land resources amid a United Nations-mandated coalition.

Source: Kuwait News Agency