Gulf Cooperation Council: categorically rejects any infringement on Kuwait's maritime sovereignty
The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in an official statement, reaffirmed its unwavering support for the State of Kuwait, emphasizing its categorical rejection of any claims or practices that could infringe upon Kuwait's maritime sovereignty or its sovereign rights in its territorial waters. This statement reflects the deep-rooted Gulf solidarity and the shared destiny of the GCC member states in confronting regional challenges.
The historical and legal context of maritime boundaries
The Gulf Cooperation Council's supportive stance towards Kuwait is based on clear international legal frameworks, most notably UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 833 of 1993, which delineated the land and maritime borders between Kuwait and Iraq. The Gulf states consider respect for these resolutions and agreements, which have been ratified and deposited with the United Nations, to be fundamental to maintaining peace and security in the region, and any attempt to evade them or alter the geographical reality constitutes a clear violation of international law.
The importance of natural resources and shared resources
The discussion of maritime sovereignty is not limited to the geographical aspect alone, but extends to include the exclusive economic rights of the State of Kuwait, particularly with regard to the gas and oil fields located in the submerged areas. The Council has repeatedly emphasized that the natural resources in the submerged area adjacent to the Saudi-Kuwaiti Divided Zone, including the entire Al-Durra field, are the joint property of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait only, and they alone possess full sovereign rights to exploit the resources in that area, based on the agreements concluded between the two brotherly countries.
Regional and international impact of stability in the Arabian Gulf
This unified Gulf position carries extremely important strategic implications on both the regional and international levels:
- Locally and within the Gulf region: This position strengthens the internal cohesion of the GCC countries and confirms the activation of joint defense agreements and diplomatic cooperation to protect the interests of the members.
- Regionally: It sends a clear message to neighboring countries about the need to adhere to the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in internal affairs, and to prioritize diplomatic dialogue to resolve border disputes instead of escalation.
- Internationally: Given the importance of the Arabian Gulf as a vital corridor for global energy, maintaining the stability of maritime borders and ensuring freedom of navigation is a major international interest, as any tension in this region could negatively affect energy markets and the global economy.
In conclusion, the Gulf Cooperation Council remains committed to its ongoing call for respect for the national sovereignty of member states, stressing that Kuwait’s security is an integral part of the security of the Gulf system as a whole, and that dialogue based on international charters is the only way to ensure the stability of the region and the prosperity of its peoples.
