Egypt is following the maritime border issue between Kuwait and Iraq with "great interest and concern," urging adherence to international law and respect for Kuwait's sovereignty while offering support to both sides for a consensus that bolsters regional security.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Monday that it is following the maritime border dispute between Kuwait and Iraq with "great interest and concern," after Baghdad submitted coordinates and a map to the United Nations. The ministry's statement emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules of international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while stressing the need to respect Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Cairo voiced its readiness to support both countries in reaching a consensus that enhances regional security and stability.
This came after a call from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi on Monday for Iraq to withdraw the coordinates and map filed with the UN, alleging they infringe on Kuwait's sovereignty over its maritime zones, including Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Ayj. Al-Budaiwi highlighted the need to resort to international law principles and UNCLOS, in line with bilateral understandings between the two nations, and reaffirmed the GCC's firm positions on Iraq respecting Kuwait's sovereignty as stated in the final communique of the 46th session of the Supreme Council of GCC leaders.
He noted that the deep historical relations between the GCC and Iraq are not served by such claims, expressing hope that Baghdad would review and withdraw the filing to foster mutual trust and regional stability. Diplomatic tensions escalated on Sunday when the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Iraqi charge d'affaires Zayed Abbas Shanshal to deliver an official protest note. Kuwaiti Acting Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Rahim al-Dihani presented the protest, stating that the Iraqi UN filing included claims over maritime areas and "stable and settled" features that had not been previously disputed.
Kuwait urged Iraq to consider their historical relations and address the issue seriously and responsibly in accordance with international law and bilateral agreements. In response, Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the action, based on Government Decision No. 266 of 2025, which is grounded in Iraqi laws and UNCLOS. It explained that the filing aims to consolidate previous legal procedures related to Iraq's maritime zones into a single document with precise coordinates, accounting for developments in international sea law, including the expansion of coastal state jurisdiction. Iraq stressed that defining its maritime zones is a sovereign matter in which no other state has the right to interfere, while reiterating respect for international law principles.
