Saudi Arabia Rejects Claims Over Shared Kuwaiti Maritime Zone

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia has issued a firm statement categorically rejecting any claims of rights by third parties in the "Submerged Divided Zone" between the Kingdom and Kuwait. Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its full commitment to its shared rights with Kuwait in the region, governed by established bilateral and international agreements.

Upholding Maritime Sovereignty

In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry emphasized the necessity for Iraq to respect Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Riyadh called on Baghdad to fulfill its international obligations and adhere to United Nations Security Council resolutions, specifically Resolution 833 (1993), which demarcated the land and sea borders between Kuwait and Iraq.

Concerns Over Iraqi Maps

Saudi Arabia expressed "deep concern" regarding recent coordinate lists and maps submitted by Iraq to the United Nations. According to Saudi officials, these documents contain significant encroachments on vast portions of the submerged divided area adjacent to the Saudi-Kuwaiti Neutral Zone.

Natural Resources and Legal Frameworks

The Ministry clarified that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait share exclusive ownership of the natural resources within the divided area. This ownership is rooted in signed and active treaties between the two nations, which regulate the exploration and extraction of resources under internationally recognized legal frameworks.

The Saudi statement further noted that the coordinates filed by Iraq represent a direct violation of Kuwait’s maritime sovereignty, specifically affecting maritime elevations such as "Fasht al-Ghaid" and "Fasht al-Aij." Saudi Arabia characterized these filings as a clear breach of international conventions governing maritime borders.

A Call for Stability

By issuing this statement, Saudi Arabia aims to ensure regional stability through the adherence to international law. The Kingdom remains steadfast in its partnership with Kuwait, ensuring that the legal and territorial rights of both nations are preserved against any external encroachments.