The assertion of this stand came in a joint statement issued
following the visit of Kuwait's Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah,
to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. During the visit, the Kuwaiti Emir held talks with
Saudi Arabia's King Salman, as well as Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad
bin Salman.
The two
nations renewed their call on Iran to engage in negotiations over the eastern
border of the divided submerged area, involving Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as one
party, in accordance with international law.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have reaffirmed their call to
neighboring Iraq to honor the 2012 agreement concerning the regulation of
navigation in the Khor Abdullah waterway.
The
joint statement emphasized the importance of the Khor Abdullah agreement, which
came into force on December 5, 2013, after ratification by both countries and
subsequent submission to the United Nations on December 18, 2013.
The two nations expressed their disapproval of Iraq's
unilateral cancellation of the security exchange protocol established between
Kuwait and Iraq in 2008, as well as the endorsed map signed between the two
countries on December 28, 2014. The map included a clear mechanism for
amendment and cancellation.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait reiterated their support
for the UN Security Council Resolution No. 2107 (2013). This resolution seeks
the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to facilitate efforts in
determining the fate of missing Kuwaitis, and third-country nationals, and the
return of the seized Kuwaiti property, including national archives.
The joint statement covered various aspects of cooperation,
including economic, commercial, and investment collaboration. Both sides hailed
the growth of trade relations and mutual investments, emphasizing the
importance of expanding economic cooperation and partnership, aligning with
their respective visions – Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Kuwait's Vision 2035.
The Saudi side extended an invitation to Kuwaiti investors
and companies to expand their presence in the Kingdom and take advantage of
available investment opportunities. Additionally, the two nations expressed
their desire to sign an agreement to prevent double taxation.
On the defense and security front, both countries
highlighted their commitment to strengthening defense cooperation and strategic
relations to ensure regional security and stability. They emphasized the
importance of combating crimes such as drug trafficking, border security,
extremism, and terrorism, and promoting a culture of moderation and tolerance.
Regarding
the Palestinian territories, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait voiced deep concern about
the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip due to the Israeli occupation's
military operations. They called for international action to halt the Israeli
aggression, protect civilians, and enable humanitarian organizations to provide
aid to Palestinians. They stressed the need for a comprehensive and just
settlement of the Palestinian issue based on a two-state solution, the Arab
Peace Initiative, and relevant UN resolutions.
The joint statement also addressed the Yemeni crisis,
expressing support for international and regional efforts to reach a
comprehensive political solution. Kuwait praised Saudi Arabia's initiatives
aimed at encouraging dialogue and reconciliation among Yemeni parties, as well
as the Kingdom's humanitarian aid efforts.
Regarding
navigation in the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait emphasized the importance of
maintaining security and stability in the region and respecting the right to
safe maritime navigation in accordance with international law and the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982. They called for restraint and
de-escalation amid the region's heightened tensions.
