The Kingdom has issued a statement expressing great satisfaction over the verdict announced by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague concerning the border dispute between Bahrain and Qatar, saying the settlement will give impetus to the progress of integration among the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The leadership and people of Saudi Arabia congratulate the leaders of the two countries on this great achievement, which demonstrates their wisdom and their concern to adhere to the directives of the United Nations.

In a ruling read by its President, Judge Gilbert Guillaume, the ICJ yesterday decreed that Bahrain has sovereignty over the Hawar Islands and that Qatar has sovereignty over the islands of Al-Zubarah and Janan. In reaching its decision, ICJ took into consideration historical documents dating back to 1937 and 1939.

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