Macron seeks Gulf fuel and investment in Kuwait visit

French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting Gulf states Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain from Monday to Wednesday, seeking fuel supplies and investment to address France's energy crisis and inflation. The visit follows public protests over rising costs and government funding issues. The fuel shortage, worsened by the US-Israeli attack on Iran, has strained France's economy. Macron is negotiating with GCC leaders for fuel shipments and major investments, while also requesting safe passage for tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. He was received by Kuwait's Emir and senior officials. France has called for diplomatic solutions to West Asian conflicts, noting that GCC nations cannot resolve the crisis alone since Iran and the US hold key decisions. The fuel export halt has also affected Gulf countries, and Macron's government has warned against ongoing strikes.