By Eman Al-Awadhi (with photos) KUWAIT, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- Coordination is ongoing between the French and Kuwaiti forces for holding joint exercises in Gulf waters, dubbed "Pearl of the West," in April of next year, said French Commander in the Indian Ocean Vice Admiral Gerard Valin on Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference aboard the supply and flagship "Var," which docked at Shuwaikh Port yesterday, he said, "Planning for this operation started a few months ago, and there is a French team currently working with officials here, while a Kuwaiti delegation will head to France after Eid." He explained that the process was a long one and entailed exchange visits.
"We have strong cooperation with the Kuwaiti side, especially in the security and navy sectors ... our two navies work well together, and the Kuwaiti navy officers are very professional sailors ... we understand each other very well," he said.
He noted that in today's globalized world, countries were interconnected and the threats they faces were common, which was why they need to consolidate efforts and cooperate in order to counter these challenges.
Commenting on his meetings earlier today with Kuwait's Deputy Army Chief-of-Staff Lieutenant General Ahmad Al-Khalid Al-Sabah and Commander of the Kuwaiti Navy Vice Admiral Ahmad Al-Mullah, the commander said that it was important to exchange ideas on security issues.
One of the missions of the French Joint Command in the Indian Ocean was to conduct defense diplomacy, he said, whereby world peace and stability were promoted through negotiations rather than through armed conflict.
"To be efficient in helping countries achieve peace you must understand them and their culture, in order to avoid war ... I maintain relations with 28 countries within the area of my command and I constantly discuss security matters with officials of these countries," he explained.
Valin also said the French navy would be holding joint exercises with their Kuwaiti counterparts "for a day or so" toward the end of the flagship's visit to Kuwait, which would end on December 8.
The two sides engaged in a briefing this morning, and the exercises would focus on tactics for dealing with piracy, with the use of winching, helicopters, and maneuvers using naval signals.
Again, he said, "The aim is to be able to work together against a common threat." He explained that the ships under his command had engaged in two operations against pirates off the coast of Somalia in April and September, thereby succeeding in freeing hostages aboard two hijacked ships and arresting pirates.
As for the flagship's next stop, Valin said it would dock in Bahrain, then Abu Dhabi where a French base is in progress. "This base, which will be operational in 2009, is a strong political signal that underlines France's interest in the area ... it is a support base for our ships in the area." VAR's main mission is to provide logistical support from French and allies carrier and battle groups in the area. (end) ema KUNA 041823 Dec 08NNNN