GCC Addresses Maritime Border Demarcation Between Kuwait And Iraq In Recent Meeting

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council convened its 47th extraordinary session in Kuwait, focusing on the maritime border demarcation between Kuwait and Iraq. The meeting was led by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, with participation from key officials including UAE's Khalifa bin Shaheen Almarar, Bahrain's Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, Saudi Arabia's Waleed Elkhereiji, Oman's Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi, Qatar's Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.

The council reiterated its stance from the 45th GCC Supreme Council session in December 2024 regarding Iraq. It reviewed updates on the maritime boundary beyond marker 162 between Kuwait and Iraq. The council stressed that Iraq must respect Kuwait's sovereignty and adhere to bilateral agreements and UN resolutions, especially Security Council Resolution 833 (1993), which addresses land and maritime borders.

Emphasising international law principles, the council urged for progress in defining the maritime border beyond marker 162. It highlighted the necessity of following the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982). The council also called for adherence to the Joint Technical and Legal Committee responsible for this demarcation process.

The council firmly rejected any violation of Kuwait's sovereignty over its territories and maritime zones. It underscored that all areas, islands, and associated heights within Kuwait's jurisdiction must remain respected without infringement.

The council reaffirmed decisions from previous sessions concerning the Al Durra field. It declared that this field lies entirely within Kuwaiti maritime areas. The natural resources in this submerged zone are jointly owned by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia alone. Both nations have exclusive rights to exploit these resources under international law and existing agreements.

Any claims by other parties regarding rights in the Al Durra field or adjacent submerged areas were categorically rejected by the council. The designated borders between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia define ownership clearly, leaving no room for external claims.

The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on maintaining regional stability through adherence to established agreements and international norms. The GCC remains committed to ensuring peaceful resolutions to territorial disputes while safeguarding member states' sovereignty.

With inputs from SPA