Saudi Arabia has firmly rejected recent submissions by Iraq to the United Nations regarding new maritime boundaries. The Kingdom stated that these filings infringe on Kuwait’s sovereign territory. In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed categorical opposition to the Iraq maritime claims. Riyadh emphasized that the submitted geographic coordinates violate existing bilateral agreements.
Iraq reportedly submitted new geographic coordinates to the UN in January and February. These documents delineate the nation’s maritime boundaries. According to the Saudi statement, the Iraqi filing includes changes extending to Khor Abdullah. It also affects parts of the submerged area adjacent to the divided Saudi-Kuwaiti Neutral Zone. The Kingdom shares ownership of natural resources in this zone with Kuwait under binding bilateral agreements. The amendments also impact Kuwait’s maritime areas and fixed water elevations.
Saudi Arabia Rejects Any Infringement on Kuwaiti Rights
“The Kingdom categorically rejects any claims suggesting the existence of rights for any party in the submerged area beyond the boundaries agreed upon between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait,” the ministry stated. It stressed that existing arrangements are grounded in bilateral accords. These agreements remain consistent with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Riyadh further emphasized the importance of Iraq’s commitment to respecting Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Saudi statement called on Baghdad to adhere to relevant UN resolutions. It specifically mentioned Security Council Resolution 833 from 1993. This resolution demarcated the land and maritime boundaries between Kuwait and Iraq. The demarcation followed Iraq’s 1990 invasion of its southern neighbor. The resolution remains a cornerstone of the post-Gulf War settlement in the region.
Regional Allies Express Solidarity with Kuwait
Qatar offered its support for Kuwait’s position. In a statement on Sunday, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the coordinates lists and map submitted by Iraq infringe on Kuwait’s sovereignty. The ministry voiced hope that international law principles will guide the resolution. They specifically referenced the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982.
The UAE also expressed solidarity with Kuwait. It reiterated support for the country against any infringement on its sovereignty or national interests. Bahrain and Oman similarly expressed their rejection of any encroachment on Kuwait’s sovereignty. These statements reflect unified Gulf opposition to the Iraq maritime claims.
Egypt said it is closely monitoring developments concerning the maritime border. It emphasized the importance of respecting Kuwait’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Jordan also echoed support for Kuwait’s sovereignty over its territories and maritime areas. This broader Arab support demonstrates the significance of the issue.
Kuwait Summons Iraqi Diplomat Over Boundary Dispute
On Saturday, Kuwait took diplomatic action by summoning Iraq’s charge d’affaires. The summons addressed the new boundaries that include the Fasht Al-Qaid and Fasht Al-Aij areas. Kuwait maintains these areas have never been in dispute historically. The diplomatic move signals Kuwait’s serious concern over the submission.
Iraq’s Foreign Ministry has defended its position. It stated that the submission aligns with international law. Baghdad says the new geographic map reflects its rights under existing legal frameworks. However, regional capitals view the move as a challenge to established boundaries.
Historical Context of Iraq-Kuwait Border Disputes
The UN demarcated the land boundary between Iraq and Kuwait after Iraq’s 1990 invasion. Security Council Resolution 833 established the final international boundary. It created a clear framework for relations between the two neighbors. However, certain aspects of the maritime delimitation have remained sensitive. These issues require bilateral negotiations to reach mutually acceptable solutions.
Khor Abdullah holds strategic importance for both nations. The waterway serves as a critical shipping channel. It provides access to Iraqi ports while bordering Kuwaiti territory. Any unilateral changes to its status raise concerns in regional capitals. The submerged area adjacent to the Neutral Zone also contains potential natural resources. These resources make the boundary determination economically significant.
International Law and Bilateral Agreements
The 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea provides the framework for maritime boundary disputes. It emphasizes the need for equitable solutions reached through agreement. Bilateral accords between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait govern their shared zone. These agreements have functioned effectively for decades. Iraq’s recent submission challenges the stability of these long-standing arrangements.
Regional diplomats now watch for Iraq’s next move. Baghdad must decide whether to modify its UN submission. It could also seek direct negotiations with Kuwait to resolve the matter. The unified Arab position increases pressure on Iraq to reconsider its approach. Maintaining good relations with Gulf neighbors remains important for Iraq’s regional standing.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions beneath the surface of Gulf diplomacy. While Iraq has sought to improve ties with Gulf states in recent years, old issues resurface periodically. The maritime boundary question requires careful handling to avoid escalation. All parties have expressed commitment to resolving differences through dialogue. However, the unilateral UN submission complicates that process.
For now, Kuwait enjoys broad support from regional allies. Saudi Arabia’s leadership on this issue carries particular weight. As the dominant Gulf power, Riyadh’s firm rejection of the Iraq maritime claims sets the tone for regional response. The coming weeks will reveal whether diplomatic pressure leads Iraq to adjust its position or whether the dispute deepens further.
