Regional solidarity grows as Arab States reject Iraq’s maritime claims against Kuwait
Gulf and Arab countries voiced strong and unified support for Kuwait, reaffirming their full solidarity in safeguarding its sovereignty and rejecting any infringement on its maritime rights or internationally recognized borders.
The statements came amid growing regional reactions to maritime coordinates and maps recently submitted by Iraq to the United Nations.
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Al-Budaiwi, called on Iraq to withdraw the submitted coordinates and maps, stressing that they constitute an infringement on Kuwait’s sovereignty over its maritime zones and water elevations, including Fasht Al-Qaid and Fasht Al-Aij, reports Al-Rai daily.
He emphasized the need to adhere to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as bilateral agreements and relevant United Nations resolutions governing relations between the two countries.
Al-Budaiwi reiterated the GCC’s firm and longstanding position supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kuwait, stressing categorical rejection of any encroachment on its lands, islands, or maritime areas.
He also highlighted the deep historical ties between Kuwait and Iraq, expressing hope that dialogue and legal frameworks would help resolve the dispute and preserve regional stability.
Several Arab and Gulf states issued parallel statements backing Kuwait’s position. Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its rejection of any claims affecting the submerged divided zone jointly shared with Kuwait and called on Iraq to respect bilateral agreements and UN Security Council Resolution 833 (1993), which demarcated the land and maritime borders between the two countries.
The United Arab Emirates expressed unwavering solidarity with Kuwait and urged resolving the issue through diplomatic dialogue in accordance with international law.
Similarly, Qatar, Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, and Yemen affirmed their support for Kuwait’s sovereignty and called for resolving the matter through dialogue, good neighborliness, and adherence to international legal principles.
These countries stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, prioritizing diplomacy, and preserving regional security amid sensitive geopolitical conditions facing the region.
For its part, Iraq stated that Kuwait had previously deposited its maritime baselines and nautical charts with the United Nations in 2014 without consultation, while Iraq only recently submitted its own maps.
Iraqi officials reaffirmed their commitment to international law and expressed readiness to resolve the matter through negotiations and dialogue while respecting state sovereignty.
The coordinated Arab and Gulf responses underscore broad regional backing for Kuwait and reflect a collective emphasis on legal mechanisms and diplomatic engagement to address maritime disputes while maintaining stability and cooperative relations in the Gulf.
