Al-khafji: The 118th meeting of the Kuwait-Saudi permanent joint committee took place at the headquarters of Al-Khafji Joint Operations Area, chaired by Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Oil Sheikh Dr. Nimer Fahad Al-Sabah, alongside Saudi Assistant Minister of Energy Mohammad Al-Ibrahim.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the meeting reviewed operational reports from both the onshore and offshore divided zones, covering aspects such as strategic plans, current and future projects, challenges, and the use of advanced technologies in oil operations. The committee highlighted the discovery of a new oil reserve at the North Wafra-Wara-Burgan field in May, which is seen as a testament to the robust cooperation between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in managing shared natural resources.
The newly discovered well, Wara Burgan-1, is currently producing over 500 barrels per day, showcasing the collaboration and technical expertise of both countries' national workforces. Discussions during the meeting also focused on emergency response plans, operational procedures, and ongoing efforts to enhance capabilities and performance.
The committee praised the dedication of the Kuwaiti and Saudi teams in achieving joint goals and formulating a unified strategy that aligns with both nations' energy interests. Sheikh Nimer emphasized the importance of regular committee meetings to evaluate operations, explore development plans, train local talent, and implement advanced technologies in oil production.
He expressed gratitude to his Saudi counterpart for the positive and cooperative spirit, underscoring the importance of ongoing coordination between both ministries to facilitate joint oil projects in Al-Khafji and Wafra. Established under the 1965 agreement to divide the Neutral Zone, this committee reports directly to the oil ministers of both countries and oversees matters such as workforce facilitation, resource management, and licensing in the divided zone.
The committee convenes biannually under normal circumstances and submits its findings and recommendations to the ministers. An agreement on the division of the submerged area near the divided zone was signed with Saudi Arabia in 2000, alongside a memorandum of understanding on the re-production of the divided zone in December 2019, both of which are considered extensions of the 1965 agreement on the division of the neutral zone.