The second Quarterly Report of 2024 covers the following range of topics:

Netherlands–St. Kitts & Nevis Maritime Boundary Agreement

On 4 April 2024, the Netherlands (Saba & Sint Eustatius) and Saint Kitts & Nevis signed a maritime boundary agreement, which delimited their overlapping zones of maritime entitlements. The Agreement defines a boundary between the islands of Sint Eustatius and Saint Kitts.

Philippines Extended Continental Shelf Claim

On 14 June 2024, the Philippines submitted a claim for an extended continental shelf (ECS) in the South China Sea to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). This partial submission relates to the West Palawan Region and includes many of the insular features in the Spratly Islands.

Learn more about the South China Sea and the competing territorial claims of its littoral States by reading our South China Sea Sovereignty Analysis.

 

Armenia–Azerbaijan Land Boundary Negotiations

On 19 April 2024, a meeting was held between Armenia and Azerbaijan to begin the delimitation process of their international land border, roughly defining eight miles of the northernmost portion of the border. Armenia and Azerbaijan hope to harmonize the modern boundary with that of the Soviet-era border at the time of its dissolution.

Recognition of Palestine

Throughout the second quarter of 2024, States around the world officially recognized Palestinian statehood including Barbados (19 April), Jamaica (22 April), Trinidad and Tobago (2 May) and the Bahamas (7 May). Ireland, Norway, Spain and Armenia later announced their recognition of Palestinian statehood. As of the date of this report, 145 of the 193 United Nations (UN) member States have chosen to recognize Palestine as an independent State.

Additional Boundary Updates

Additional updates were made to the boundaries of Bulgaria & Romania as they became members of the Schengen Zone. In March 2024, Kenya & Uganda took a step repair and replace border posts along their international land border in order to reaffirm their demarcation efforts.

And more!