Kuwait and Saudi review key issues on petroleum operations in Divided Zone
KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti-Saudi Permanent Joint Committee held its 118th meeting on Sunday at the headquarters of the Khafji Joint Operations. The meeting was chaired on the Kuwaiti side by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil Sheikh Dr Nimr Fahad Al-Malik Al-Sabah, while the Saudi delegation was led by Assistant Minister of Energy Mohammed Al-Ibrahim.
According to a statement issued by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Oil, the meeting reviewed several key issues related to petroleum operations in the onshore Divided Zone and the adjacent submerged area. Discussions focused on strategic plans, major ongoing and upcoming projects, challenges facing implementation, and the application of advanced technologies in exploration and production activities.
The statement highlighted the committee's pride in the recent petroleum discovery by Wafra Joint Operations in the North Wafra Wara-Burgan field, announced in May. The committee emphasized that this discovery — with oil flowing at a rate exceeding 500 barrels per day from the Wara Burgan-1 well — underscores the strength of bilateral cooperation in managing and developing shared natural resources. It also reflects the technical capabilities and dedication of national cadres from both countries, further solidifying Kuwait and Saudi Arabia's global reputation as reliable energy suppliers. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ongoing exploration and development work to achieve shared interests and ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.
The meeting also reviewed a progress report by the Permanent Joint Committee Office, which included emergency preparedness plans, ongoing procedures and efforts to enhance operational efficiency. The performance of the operational committee was also evaluated, with both sides commended for formulating a unified strategic action plan aligned with the long-term energy goals of both countries. In its statement, the Ministry of Oil praised the dedication of human resources from both the Kuwaiti and Saudi sides and acknowledged the vital role played by leaders of Khafji and Wafra Joint Operations in executing operational strategies.
Sheikh Nimr Al-Sabah stressed the importance of continuing the committee's meetings to monitor joint operations, evaluate development projects, train national personnel, and integrate cutting-edge technology into all stages of petroleum operations. He expressed appreciation to the Saudi Assistant Minister of Energy for his cooperation and the spirit of brotherhood shown during the meeting, expressing hope that the two sides would continue their coordination to advance joint petroleum projects in Khafji and Wafra.
The Permanent Joint Committee was established under the Neutral Zone Division Agreement signed in 1965. It reports directly to the ministers of oil and energy in both countries. Among its responsibilities are facilitating operational procedures for petroleum company personnel in the Divided Zone, overseeing the proper exploitation of shared natural resources, evaluating related studies, and reviewing new licenses, contracts, and concessions.
The committee, headed on the Kuwaiti side by Sheikh Dr Nimr Al-Sabah and including officials from the Ministry of Oil and Ministry of Interior, holds biannual meetings. The agreement to divide the adjacent submerged zone was signed in 2000, followed by a Memorandum of Understanding in December 2019 regarding the resumption of production in the Divided Zone. These documents are considered annexes to the 1965 agreement. — KUNA
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