Gulf States Support Kuwait in Maritime Border Issue
UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Oman reaffirm solidarity with Kuwait against Iraq’s maritime claims.
- Publish date: since 15 hour Reading time: two min read
Several Gulf states have publicly backed Kuwait’s position in its maritime border dispute with Iraq, condemning Baghdad’s recent submission of maritime coordinates and maps to the United Nations as a violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty over its territorial waters and seabed features.
The dispute stems from Iraq’s filing of detailed maritime boundary coordinates and an accompanying map with the UN, which Kuwait says encroach on its sovereign maritime areas, including Fasht Al-Qaid and Fasht Al-Aij, and were never previously subject to dispute. Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Iraq’s chargé d’affaires to deliver a formal protest over the move and urged Baghdad to honour historical ties and established agreements under international law.
In separate statements, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia reiterated their full solidarity with Kuwait, denouncing the Iraqi submission and stressing the need to respect Kuwait’s maritime rights. The UAE described the filing as a potential infringement on Kuwait’s maritime rights and called for any issue to be addressed through constructive dialogue and diplomatic channels in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry also affirmed its support for Kuwait’s sovereignty over its maritime zones and emphasised the importance of adherence to international law and existing bilateral understandings. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia echoed similar concerns, underscoring respect for Kuwait’s territorial integrity and historical relations among the Gulf states.
The Sultanate of Oman added its voice of support, urging Iraq to consider principles of good neighbourliness and international law, and to honour bilateral agreements regarding maritime boundaries. Oman’s statement highlighted its solidarity with Kuwait and stressed the importance of upholding sovereign rights over maritime areas.
The coordinated regional response reflects broader Gulf concern over maintaining territorial sovereignty and stability in the Gulf region, as well as commitment to resolving disputes through legal and diplomatic means.