مجلس التعاون الخليجي يشدد على ضرورة احترام العراق لسيادة الكويت

The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries emphasized today (Monday) the importance of Iraq respecting the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait, stressing that the Durra field is entirely located within Kuwaiti maritime areas.

During their 164th ministerial meeting in Kuwait, the ministers reiterated that the natural resources in the divided submerged area adjacent to the Saudi-Kuwaiti divided area, including the entire Durra field, are jointly owned by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait only. They reaffirmed that Kuwait and Saudi Arabia alone have full rights to exploit the natural resources in that area, in accordance with international law and based on the agreements in force between them.

The Gulf ministers announced their firm rejection of any claims of rights by any other party in this field or the submerged area adjacent to the divided area with its defined borders between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The ministers discussed the results of consultations regarding the implementation of the council's decision in its 33rd session concerning the proposal of the late Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to move from a stage of cooperation to a stage of union, directing the council to continue efforts to transition to the stage of union and assigning the council and the head of the specialized authority to complete the necessary procedures for that, and to report the findings to the council.

The Gulf ministerial council emphasized the steadfast Gulf positions condemning Iran's continued occupation of the three islands (Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa) belonging to the UAE, reaffirming support for the UAE's sovereignty over its three islands, its territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone, considering them an integral part of the United Arab Emirates.

The Gulf ministerial council considered any decisions, practices, or actions taken by Iran on the three islands to be null and void, and that they do not change any of the historical and legal facts that affirm the UAE's sovereignty over its three islands, calling on Iran to respond to the UAE's efforts to resolve the issue through direct negotiations or by resorting to the International Court of Justice.

The council condemned Iran's continued construction of residential facilities to settle Iranians on the three UAE islands occupied by Iran, as well as the escalatory positions and actions taken by Iran.

The Gulf ministerial council addressed regional issues in its meeting, affirming its support for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people, ending the blockade imposed on the Strip, opening all crossings for the entry of humanitarian and relief aid and basic needs, and ensuring their continuous delivery to the residents of the Gaza Strip. It also emphasized the necessity of providing international protection for the Palestinian people, refraining from targeting them, and complying with and adhering to international law, international humanitarian law, and relevant Security Council resolutions without exception.

The council expressed its concern over developments in the Iranian nuclear file, emphasizing the importance of expediting constructive understandings in this regard to maintain the security and stability of the region, and the readiness of the council's countries to cooperate and effectively engage with this file.

The council stressed the necessity of their participation in all negotiations, discussions, and regional and international meetings related to it.

Regarding Yemen, the council welcomed the announcement by the Sultanate of Oman of reaching a ceasefire in Yemen, aimed at protecting navigation and international trade.

The council emphasized the importance of de-escalation to maintain security and stability in the region, and respecting the right to maritime navigation therein, in accordance with international law. It also condemned the continued foreign interventions in Yemen's internal affairs and the smuggling of military experts and weapons to the Houthis, in clear violation of Security Council resolutions 2216, 2231, and 2624.

The council renewed its support for all efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis, achieving security and stability for Yemen and the region.

Regarding the partnership between the GCC and Iraq, the council confirmed its commitment to advancing the electrical interconnection project to connect Iraq to the electricity grid of the GCC countries, to achieve greater integration and connectivity between Iraq and the council's countries, thereby serving their common interests and paving the way for further cooperation in the future.

The ministerial council addressed the situation in Syria, emphasizing the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and rejecting foreign interventions in its internal affairs.

It noted that Syria's security and stability are fundamental pillars of regional security and stability, welcoming U.S. President Donald Trump's response to Saudi Arabia's request to lift sanctions on Syria.

The council praised the efforts of Saudi Arabia and Qatar in settling Syria's arrears with the World Bank Group to accelerate the pace of Syria's economic recovery, welcoming the results of the ninth donors' conference for Syria held in Brussels on March 17, 2025, which totaled €5.8 billion in pledges.

It emphasized support for the efforts of the Syrian government and mobilizing international efforts to coordinate cooperation in support of Syria's economy.

Regarding Lebanon, the council confirmed its support for the reform process and the building of the Lebanese state, hoping that Lebanon would regain security and peace, and achieve the aspirations of the Lebanese people for stability, prosperity, and development, noting the assistance provided by its countries to the Lebanese people.

In another context, the Gulf statement welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, commending their wisdom and restraint, hoping that this agreement would lead to the restoration of security and peace in the region, and praising Saudi Arabia's efforts to halt escalation and end military confrontations.

The council praised Riyadh's diplomatic efforts and its hosting of talks between Russia and the U.S. regarding the Ukrainian crisis, looking forward to these talks achieving their desired goals of enhancing security and stability.