Iraq and Kuwait in Pursuit of Resolution: Tackling the Contested Border Challenge

Iraq and Kuwait are committed to reaching a comprehensive agreement regarding the demarcation of their borders, including a disputed maritime area in the Gulf, according to statements made by their respective foreign ministers on Sunday.

The existing land and maritime borders between these neighboring nations were established by the United Nations in 1993, following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait under Saddam Hussein’s regime.

While Iraqi authorities have previously indicated their willingness to acknowledge Kuwait’s land borders, the maritime boundary remains a contentious issue. Baghdad insists that the delineation must grant it unrestricted access to Gulf waters, which are crucial for its economy and oil exports.

Due to this longstanding dispute, Kuwaiti coastguards frequently apprehend Iraqi fishermen and impound their vessels for allegedly trespassing into Kuwaiti territorial waters without authorization.

Following a meeting with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Salem Al-Sabah, in Baghdad on Sunday, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein emphasized the importance of resolving the border disputes. He informed reporters that the border discussions would continue through various technical committees, with Baghdad set to host a legal committee meeting on August 14.

Minister Sabah noted that there was a “complete consensus” between Kuwait and Iraq to address outstanding issues between the two countries, particularly the demarcation of maritime boundaries.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani, who was appointed by pro-Iran parties, Iraq’s government is actively pursuing closer ties with Arab Gulf monarchies. Their goal is to enhance regional economic cooperation and combat the illicit flow of narcotics.

In 2021, Baghdad fulfilled its obligations by making the final payment of more than $52 billion in war reparations to its neighbor. The conflict in question began when Saddam’s forces invaded oil-rich Kuwait in August 1990, subsequently annexing it before being ousted seven months later by an international coalition led by the United States.