- The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to expanding energy cooperation, enhancing operational excellence and ensuring the sustainable development of one of the region’s most strategically important oil-producing areas.
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the Divided Zone, with senior officials reviewing key petroleum projects, operational strategies and future development plans aimed at enhancing the efficient management of their shared energy resources.
The discussions took place during the 120th meeting of the Kuwaiti-Saudi Joint Permanent Committee, held via videoconference and co-chaired by Kuwait’s Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil, Sheikh Dr. Nimer Fahad Al-Malik Al-Sabah, and Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Energy, Mohammed Al-Ibrahim.
According to the Ministry of Oil, the committee reviewed progress on implementing the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, which paved the way for the resumption of petroleum production and strengthened cooperation in the Divided Zone.
The meeting focused on operational reports covering both the onshore Divided Zone and the adjacent offshore area, while also assessing current and future strategic projects, reservoir development plans, environmental initiatives, workplace safety programs and the adoption of advanced technologies in petroleum operations.
Committee members also discussed plans to further develop joint operational procedures, reviewed tax-related matters in the Divided Zone and approved the minutes of previous meetings addressing fiscal issues affecting petroleum operations.
Among the key agenda items was the review of updated agreements governing Wafra Joint Operations and Khafji Joint Operations, as well as an assessment of the proposed budget for the 2027 fiscal year, reflecting the committee’s continued focus on improving operational efficiency and ensuring the long-term sustainability of shared oil resources.
The committee reaffirmed the importance of ongoing coordination between the two countries, emphasizing that close cooperation has played a vital role in overcoming operational challenges and supporting the successful implementation of strategic energy projects.
The Ministry of Oil noted that the Joint Permanent Committee, established under the 1965 Neutral Zone Partition Agreement, continues to oversee agreements, contracts and operational frameworks governing the Divided Zone, while facilitating cooperation between the two countries on matters related to shared natural resources.
Sheikh Dr. Nimer Al-Sabah praised the close collaboration between Kuwait’s Ministry of Oil and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy, highlighting the contributions of national professionals and executive teams in advancing joint petroleum operations.
He also commended the cooperation of operating companies, including Aramco Gulf Operations Company, Chevron Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Gulf Oil Company, whose coordinated efforts continue to support safe, efficient and sustainable energy production in the Divided Zone.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to expanding energy cooperation, enhancing operational excellence and ensuring the sustainable development of one of the region’s most strategically important oil-producing areas.
