(Kuwait Defense): Saudi Arabia: The multinational maritime coalition reflects international awareness to confront threats to maritime security
Riyadh, Aug 6 (KUNA) -- The spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, said on Thursday 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, Major General Al-Maliki added that the region and the world are facing real and emerging threats, and that "every country has the right to take the military or political measures it deems necessary to protect its interests and address those threats."
Emphasizing the continuous coordination among Red Sea littoral states to enhance the security of sea lanes and protect shared interests, he stressed 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."
He clarified that "protecting international shipping routes and oil tankers is a fundamental pillar of global economic stability," noting that "any terrorist acts or threats targeting maritime security have repercussions on the entire international community, necessitating enhanced international cooperation and coordination to confront them, thereby contributing to the security and stability of sea lanes."
Major General Al-Maliki pointed out that the Kingdom of 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.
Earlier, the Saudi Ministry of Defense announced the appointment of Rear Admiral Abdullah Al-Shahri as commander of the multinational maritime defense coalition, a move aimed at completing the coalition’s institutional framework and enhancing its operational readiness.
Last month on the 30th, the Saudi Ministry of Defense hosted a meeting in Riyadh of chiefs of staff and representatives from several brotherly and friendly countries, as well as the European Union delegation, to discuss the Kingdom’s initiative to establish a multinational maritime defense coalition aimed at enhancing maritime security, protecting international sea lanes, and countering threats targeting maritime navigation and global trade.
Fourteen participating countries issued a joint statement at the meeting, affirming their support for the multinational maritime defense coalition project and welcoming the consensus reached on its foundational arrangements. These countries are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti, and Somalia. (End) A.S.
