Commander of the Multinational Maritime Coalition: Coalition Protects Global Economy and Shared Interests in the Bab el-Mandeb, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden
Riyadh, 6 Aug (KUNA) -- Commander of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition, Vice Admiral Abdullah Al-Shahri, said on Thursday that the coalition, initiated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aims to enhance maritime security and protect the global economy and shared maritime interests in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
Al-Shahri clarified in a statement relayed by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the Kingdom, under the guidance of its senior leadership, is spearheading an international initiative to establish a coalition that strengthens maritime security and safeguards the global economy and shared maritime interests in the region.
He noted that the Kingdom’s hosting of the coalition’s founding meeting, with representatives from 43 countries, reflected broad international consensus that “the security of international sea lanes is a collective responsibility,” and that multilateral defense cooperation and continuous coordination are “the fundamental pillar for ensuring freedom of navigation, securing supply chains, and energy supplies.”
He emphasized that the Kingdom’s hosting of the coalition’s headquarters and its leadership reflect “its stance and leading role” in enhancing and supporting regional and international security, and in building effective alliances to confront common maritime threats and challenges.
He affirmed that “the coalition has a purely defensive nature and does not target any state, organization, or alliance; rather, it operates in accordance with the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and provisions of international law, with full respect for state sovereignty and the guarantee of freedom of navigation in international sea lanes.”
Al-Shahri added that “many countries have announced their accession to the coalition under the joint statement, while other countries continue to complete their arrangements and national procedures in preparation for joining, with the door remaining open to all states wishing to do so.”
Last month on the 30th, the Saudi Ministry of Defense hosted a meeting in Riyadh of chiefs of staff and representatives from several friendly and sister states, as well as the European Union delegation, to discuss the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s initiative to establish a multinational maritime defense coalition aimed at enhancing maritime security, protecting international sea lanes, and addressing 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.
