RIYADH, Saudi Arabia has taken a major step toward strengthening global maritime security by leading an international initiative to establish a Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition, bringing together military representatives from 43 countries and the European Union.
The high-level meeting, hosted by the Kingdom on Thursday, focused on enhancing international cooperation to protect strategic sea routes, safeguard global trade, and counter increasing threats to maritime navigation across the Bab al-Mandab Strait, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden.
According to Saudi officials, the gathering reviewed the coalition’s proposed charter, organizational structure, command and control arrangements, operational mechanisms, and future roadmap, laying the foundation for a permanent multinational security framework.
Participants expressed concern over the growing number of attacks targeting commercial vessels, energy tankers, and critical maritime infrastructure, warning that such threats pose serious risks to international shipping, global supply chains, and the world economy.
The meeting emphasized that collective defense cooperation is essential to deter maritime threats and ensure the continued security and freedom of navigation through some of the world’s busiest shipping corridors.
More Read
Saudi Arabia to Lead and Host the Coalition
Delegates agreed that Saudi Arabia will serve as the founding and leading nation of the Maritime Defense Coalition and will also host its headquarters, reflecting international confidence in the Kingdom’s leadership role in promoting regional and global maritime security.
Military planners from interested countries will continue consultations in the coming months to finalize the coalition’s legal framework, command structure, operational procedures, and technical arrangements before the charter is formally signed and the coalition officially begins operations.
Saudi Arabia described the initiative as an open international defense partnership, welcoming participation from all countries that share its objectives and principles.
The Kingdom said the coalition aims to strengthen collective maritime security, protect freedom of navigation, secure global trade routes, and reinforce the principle of shared international responsibility in addressing common maritime threats.
Pakistan Among 14 Supporting Nations
At the conclusion of the meeting, 14 countries issued a joint statement formally supporting the coalition and welcoming progress made toward its establishment.
The supporting countries are:
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Qatar
- Pakistan
- Türkiye
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Yemen
- Bangladesh
- Nigeria
- Sudan
- Djibouti
- Somalia
Saudi officials added that several other participating countries have also expressed support for the initiative and are currently completing their respective domestic approval processes before officially joining the coalition.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to finalize the coalition’s establishment, strengthen collective maritime defense capabilities, protect international sea lanes, safeguard global commerce, and contribute to regional and international peace and stability.
