Al-Safi reaffirms commitment to international agreements ahead of border talks with Kuwait

Iraqi Ambassador to Kuwait, Manhal Al-Safi, has reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to all international conventions, agreements, and UN Security Council resolutions, emphasizing that this commitment was reiterated in a statement issued by the Iraqi Presidency.

Ambassador Al-Safi announced that the technical legal committee tasked with demarcating the maritime border between Kuwait and Iraq will convene in Kuwait at the end of next week. The two-day meeting will continue discussions on maritime demarcation beyond Marker 162, reflecting the sustained diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring countries, reports Al-Rai daily.

This announcement comes amid renewed developments in Baghdad concerning the Khor Abdullah navigation agreement, a pact signed with Kuwait and ratified by the Iraqi Parliament under Law No. 42 of 2013.

The Iraqi Federal Supreme Court recently ruled the law unconstitutional based on procedural grounds relating to the legislative quorum, prompting the three presidencies — the President, the Prime Minister, and the Speaker of Parliament — to meet and address the next steps.

According to an official statement issued after the meeting at the Baghdad Palace, the presidencies agreed to return the agreement to Parliament for re-legislation, in compliance with the Federal Court’s ruling in Case No. 105/Unified 194/Federal/2023.

It was also agreed that both the Presidency and the Prime Minister’s Office would withdraw their previously submitted appeals to the Federal Court, as they are no longer necessary.

The joint statement emphasized Iraq’s dedication to honoring international commitments, UN charters, and Security Council resolutions, while cautioning against using sensitive international matters for political or media exploitation. It warned that such behavior could damage Iraq’s international standing, legal rights, and strategic interests.

The upcoming border talks and reaffirmation of Iraq’s diplomatic stance signal a constructive phase in Iraq-Kuwait relations, despite lingering challenges over the Khor Abdullah agreement.