Saudi Defense Spokesman: Maintaining Maritime Security Is a Collective Responsibility Not Limited to Coastal States

Saudi Defense Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki stated that the announcement of the multinational maritime defense coalition reflects a shared international recognition of the scale of threats facing maritime security and freedom of navigation, and embodies a collective responsibility to protect sea lanes and global economic interests.

In a statement to the media, General Al-Maliki clarified that the region and the world are facing both real and emerging threats, noting that every country has the right to take military or political measures it deems necessary to protect its interests and address these threats. He emphasized the existence of continuous coordination among Red Sea littoral states to enhance the security of sea lanes and protect shared interests.

He pointed out that Saudi Arabia, through its experience in the coalition supporting legitimacy in Yemen, has achieved significant accomplishments in eliminating maritime threats, including countering drones, fast boats, and naval mines. He affirmed that maintaining maritime security is a collective responsibility that extends beyond littoral states to include all countries benefiting from the security and stability of sea lanes.

The spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense stressed that protecting international shipping routes and oil tankers is a cornerstone of global economic stability, noting that any terrorist acts or threats targeting maritime security have repercussions on the entire international community. This necessitates enhanced international cooperation and coordination to confront such threats, thereby contributing to the security and stability of sea lanes.