New York, US— The GCC foreign ministers and the UK foreign minister have exhorted Iraq to uphold international agreements and United Nations resolutions on the demarcation of the Kuwaiti-Iraqi borders.
Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States and the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, James Cleverley, made the appeal after attending a meeting on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly. The GCC Secretary-General, Jasem Al-Budaiwi, was also part of the meeting.
A joint statement released on Friday emphasized on Iraq’s responsibility to recognize and respect Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It also called for the completion of the demarcation of the Kuwaiti-Iraqi maritime border, extending beyond the border mark No. 162.
An appeal was made to the Iraqi government to swiftly address the domestic legal situation and continue upholding the 2012 agreement between Kuwait and Iraq. This agreement, which remains legally binding, regulates maritime navigation in Khor Abdullah.
The statement was a reaffirmation of support for the UN Security Council Resolution 2107 (2013). This resolution entrusts the United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) with the task of ensuring the repatriation of all Kuwaitis, including those missing, and the return of Kuwaiti property, notably the national archives.
It expressed hope that Iraq will maintain its cooperation to achieve progress on the aforementioned issues and a call for both Iraq and the UN to work diligently towards resolving all related matters.
In addition to the primary focus on Kuwaiti-Iraqi relations, the ministers also engaged in discussions on regional and international developments of mutual concern. The strategic partnership between the GCC and the UK, along with ongoing efforts to bolster mutual consultation, coordination, and cooperation across various sectors, was also reviewed.
Addressing the 78th UN General Assembly, the Representative of Kuwaiti Amir, the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, emphasized Kuwait’s stance on the agreement to regulate navigation in the Khor Abdullah waterway. He asserted that Kuwait views the agreement as valid and fully operational.
Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf highlighted the importance of the agreement and the security swap protocol, stating they are “crucial for preventing chaos, border violations, and the potential influx of illicit arms and drugs.” These illicit activities are known to finance various terrorist militias.
Reiterating Kuwait’s longstanding support for Iraq, Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf expressed surprise at the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq’s decision to declare the law ratifying the maritime navigation agreement in Khor Abdullah as unconstitutional. This agreement, signed and ratified by both nations in 2012, was deposited with the United Nations in 2013. Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf also expressed regret over the historical inaccuracies about Kuwait mentioned in the Court’s ruling.
Further concerns were raised regarding the Iraqi government’s recent decision to nullify the security swap protocol, established between the Kuwaiti and Iraqi Naval Forces in 2008. Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf warned of the potential negative impact this could have on maritime security and navigation in the Khor Abdullah waterway.
Urging swift action, Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf called on the Iraqi government to address the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision. “From this platform, the State of Kuwait urges the Iraqi government to take concrete, decisive, and urgent measures to address the repercussions of the ruling,” he stated.
Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf emphasized the importance of mutual respect for the security, independence, and territorial integrity of both nations. He also highlighted the significance of adhering to signed bilateral agreements and relevant UN resolutions, particularly UN Security Council Resolution No. 833, which defines the land and sea borders between the two countries.
In conclusion, Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf called on Iraq to demonstrate good intentions and to continue the meetings of the relevant technical teams. He stated, “The State of Kuwait reserves its full right to take whatever measures it deems necessary at the legal and international levels to preserve its established legitimate and legal rights in accordance with international resolutions and the provisions of international law.”