Saudi Arabia emphasizes the need for Iraq to respect Kuwait's sovereignty and international resolutions
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its unwavering support for the sisterly State of Kuwait, stressing the importance of the Republic of Iraq's commitment to respecting Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This reaffirmation stems from Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to strengthening stability in the Arabian Gulf region and ensuring adherence to international charters and treaties governing relations between neighboring states, particularly concerning the issue of borders and their final and definitive demarcation.
The unified Gulf position and international resolutions
The Saudi position does not express a unilateral vision, but rather represents a fundamental pillar within the general position of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which has always emphasized in its final statements and successive summits the need to complete the demarcation of the maritime borders between Iraq and Kuwait beyond point 162. These demands are based on international legitimacy, specifically Security Council Resolution No. 833 of 1993, which is the binding legal reference for the demarcation of the borders between the two countries, and which was accepted by the Iraqi government at the time and became part of international law that cannot be disregarded.
The importance of the Khor Abdullah Agreement
In a related context, the importance of the maritime navigation agreement in Khor Abdullah, concluded between the two countries and deposited with the United Nations, is paramount. Saudi Arabia and the international community view this agreement as vital to guaranteeing the maritime navigation rights of both parties and preventing any border disputes that could disrupt fraternal relations. Any unilateral actions or internal decisions that might undermine the core of these international agreements are a cause for concern for the states guaranteeing regional stability, which is why Riyadh consistently calls for wisdom and adherence to documented agreements.
Historical and strategic dimensions of relations
Historically, Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in bridging the divide between Iraq and its Gulf neighbors after decades of tension. Riyadh is striving to integrate Iraq into the Gulf economic and political system through electricity and railway interconnection projects. However, this desired economic integration requires a stable political environment based on respect for national sovereignty and the inviolability of internationally recognized borders. Respecting Kuwait's sovereignty is not merely a legal matter; it is a true test of good faith and Iraq's desire to turn the page on the past and build a future based on good neighborliness.
Implications of stability for the region
In conclusion, the Saudi leadership recognizes that any border tension between Kuwait and Iraq could cast a shadow over the security of the entire region and negatively impact international shipping lanes in the northern Arabian Gulf. Therefore, Saudi Arabia's call for adherence to international resolutions stems from its concern for the interests of the brotherly Iraqi and Kuwaiti peoples and its desire to ensure the continued flow of investments and development cooperation that the region desperately needs in light of current global economic and geopolitical challenges.
