Saudi Arabia: Third Planning Meeting of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition, with participation of 39 countries, held in Jeddah

The third planning meeting of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition (MMDC) was held on Thursday at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah, with representatives from 39 friendly and sister nations participating, marking a key step toward activating the coalition.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that 15 countries had signed the joint statement, while 13 nations completed their national procedures, signed the coalition charter, and officially announced their accession, representing the actual launch of the coalition toward its institutional and operational activation phase. The remaining countries continue to complete the necessary national procedures to join the coalition.

The agency added that this development coincides with rapid progress in finalizing the coalition’s institutional building elements, including the appointment of a coalition commander from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, agreement that the deputy commander in the first term will be from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, determination of the headquarters designated for the coalition command, and approval of its logo. This is alongside the completion of the necessary organizational, planning frameworks, and reference guides required to commence its operations.

It noted that the third planning meeting contributed to finalizing the operational arrangements for activating the coalition’s multinational organs and command structure, paving the way for the reception of officers and personnel participating from member states and their integration into the joint command and staff structure, the Joint Maritime Operations and Coordination Center, and the coalition intelligence center. These steps will accelerate the building of its operational capabilities and enhance its readiness to carry out its defensive missions within its area of responsibility.

The transition to this stage represents an advanced step in building a sustainable, multinational maritime defense alliance aimed at consolidating the concept of collective maritime security, protecting freedom of navigation, sea lanes, and straits, and supporting the continuity of international trade and global supply chains.

It pointed out that as many countries complete their national procedures and begin activating the coalition’s organs and command, the alliance enters a new phase of joint work. Efforts will shift from building frameworks and structures to activating them and integrating the capabilities of member states, aiming to achieve operational readiness and execute the tasks assigned to the coalition. This reflects the resolve of participating nations to build a defensive maritime partnership capable of enhancing maritime security and stability, protecting freedom of navigation and shared interests, and contributing to regional and international security and stability, in accordance with the coalition charter, its reference documents, and international law.