Saudi Arabia and Kuwait reaffirmed on Wednesday that the ownership of natural resources in the divided submerged area in the Arabian Gulf, including the entire Al-Durra gas field, is jointly owned by both countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia made an official announcement stating that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait hold exclusive and full sovereign rights to exploit the wealth in that area.
In addition to asserting their joint ownership, the two nations also reiterated their calls to Iran to engage in negotiations concerning the eastern border of the submerged area. They proposed that the negotiations involve Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as one party and Iran as the other party, adhering to international law and principles of good neighborliness.
Through this reaffirmation of joint ownership and the call for diplomatic negotiations, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait aim to settle the matter peacefully and in accordance with international legal principles and mutual respect for each other’s territorial rights.
Why Is Al-Durra Field Controversial?
The Al-Durra gas field is situated in the neutral zone between Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iran. Both Gulf nations firmly reject Iran’s claims over the area and its threats to commence drilling in Al-Durra to explore and exploit the oil field.
Iran said earlier this week that it will pursue its rights over the Durra/Arash field if other parties shun cooperation.
“If there is no willingness to cooperate, Iran will pursue its rights and benefits, including the exploitation and exploration of the Arash gas field, and will not tolerate any violation of its rights,” the country’s Oil Minister Javad Owji said.
Kuwait’s Oil Minister Saad Al-Barrak told SkyNews Arabia on Thursday that his country will start drilling and begin production at the Durra gas field without waiting for border demarcation with Iran.
