Al-khafji: The Kuwaiti-Saudi Permanent Joint Committee convened for its 119th meeting at the committee's headquarters in Al-Khafji. The meeting was attended by the Head of the Kuwaiti delegation, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil Sheikh Dr. Nimer Fahad Al-Malik Al-Sabah, and chaired by Saudi Assistant Minister of Energy Mohammad Al-Brahim.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Ministry of Oil released a statement indicating that the meeting was part of ongoing efforts to implement the provisions of a memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries on December 24, 2019, and approved under Law No. 2 of 2020. The memorandum aims to enhance joint coordination and serve the strategic interests of both countries in the Divided Zone.
The ministry noted that the assembly reviewed reports concerning petroleum operations in both the onshore and offshore Divided Zones. This included discussions on strategic plans, major projects, and potential challenges. The use of modern technologies in petroleum operations, alongside environmental and safety projects, development plans, and national workforce training, were also deliberated.
Sheikh Dr. Nimer Al-Sabah stated that the meeting addressed procedures for vacating administrative buildings and residential areas used by Chevron Saudi Arabia at the Al-Zour site. The handover of these sites to the Government of Kuwait on January 20, 2026, demonstrates the cooperation and institutional integration between the two nations.
Efforts to allocate a dedicated road and corridor at the Al-Nuwaiseeb and Al-Khafji border crossings were also discussed. A new route was opened for joint operations employees, accompanied by necessary technical enhancements, to streamline employee movement and access to operational sites.
The committee explored programs for developing onshore and offshore fields, focusing on accelerating their implementation in line with approved plans. Emphasis was placed on providing support for development programs and associated works through coordination with relevant authorities.
The meeting also tackled establishing a unified tax-related transaction mechanism between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, aimed at creating a clear regulatory framework. This initiative seeks to enhance procedural efficiency and ensure fairness and transparency in regulating revenues.
Sheikh Dr. Nimer Al-Sabah underscored the importance of regular committee meetings for monitoring petroleum operations and supporting strategic projects in the Divided Zone, appreciating the spirit of cooperation within the committee.