EU-GCC Summit Calls for Resolution of Maritime Border Disputes Between Iraq and Kuwait

BRUSSELS: The EU-GCC Summit on Wednesday issued a strong appeal to Iraq to address unresolved maritime border issues with Kuwait, highlighting the need for adherence to international laws to foster regional cooperation and stability. According to Kuwait News Agency, the summit's final communique emphasized the significance of resolving these disputes in a manner that respects Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also stressed the importance of honoring bilateral agreements and international treaties, including United Nations resolutions, particularly UNSC Resolution 833. The summit's discussions focused on encouraging Iraq to demarcate the maritime borders at the 162nd meridian line as per the Kuwaiti-Iraqi agreement on maritime navigation at Khor Abdullah, which was signed in April 2012 and came into effect on December 5, 2013. The leaders reiterated their support for UNSC Resolution 2017 of 2013, which tasked the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) with intensifying efforts to return all Kuwaitis and third-country nationals. The communique also urged both Iraq and the UN to intensify their efforts to reach a comprehensive solution to these long-standing issues, urging full implementation of agreed-upon frameworks to ensure peace and stability in the region.