Riyadh, February 23 (QNA) - Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi called on the Republic of Iraq to withdraw the list of coordinates and the map lodged with the United Nations, which include claims regarding Iraqi maritime zones. He noted that these coordinates and the map represent an infringement upon the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait over its maritime areas and shoals, including Fasht Al Qaid and Fasht Al A'aij.

Albudaiwi underscored the importance of resorting to the rules and principles of international law and the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in a manner consistent with the understandings, agreements, and bilateral memoranda of understanding concluded between the two countries when dealing with such issues and matters.

He also reaffirmed the Council's steadfast positions and previous resolutions regarding Iraq's respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State of Kuwait, its categorical rejection of any infringement upon Kuwait's sovereignty over all its lands, islands, and associated shoals, as well as its entire maritime zones, and the emphasis on adhering to bilateral and international commitments, agreements, and all relevant United Nations resolutions.

"The GCC and the Republic of Iraq are bound by deep-rooted historical relations and close ties based on mutual respect and good neighbourliness," he said, noting that such claims do not contribute to strengthening the course of cooperation and bilateral relations between the two sides.

Albudaiwi concluded by expressing his aspiration for the Republic of Iraq to take the initiative to review and withdraw the list of coordinates and the map lodged with the United Nations in order to bolster mutual trust, support the stability of relations, and enshrine commitment to relevant legal and international principles.​ (QNA)