Saudi Arabia: Third Planning Meeting of the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance Convenes with Participation of 39 Countries
Jeddah, August 13 (KUNA) -- The third planning meeting of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition (MMDC) was held at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with representatives from 39 friendly and sister countries participating, marking a key step toward activating the coalition.
In a press statement, the Saudi Ministry of Defense said that 15 countries have signed the joint declaration, while 13 countries have 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 are continuing to complete the necessary national procedures to join the coalition.
The statement added that this development coincides with rapid progress in completing the coalition’s institutional building elements, including the appointment of a commander from Saudi Arabia, agreement that the deputy commander in the first term will be from Pakistan, designation of the headquarters for the coalition command, adoption of its logo, and completion of the necessary organizational, planning frameworks, and reference manuals to commence its work.
It noted that the third planning meeting contributed to finalizing the operational arrangements for activating the coalition’s multinational bodies 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. This will accelerate the development of its operational capabilities and enhance its readiness to carry out its defensive missions within its area of responsibility.
Transitioning to this stage represents a significant advance in building a sustainable, multinational maritime defense alliance aimed at consolidating the concept of collective maritime security, protecting freedom of navigation, and securing maritime routes and straits, as well as supporting the continuity of international trade and global supply chains.
With many countries completing their national procedures and the coalition’s bodies and command structure beginning to activate, the coalition is entering a new phase of joint work, shifting efforts from building frameworks and structures to activating them and integrating the capabilities of member states, with a view to achieving operational readiness and executing the tasks assigned to the coalition.
This reflects the resolve of participating countries to build a defensive maritime partnership capable of enhancing maritime security and stability, protecting freedom of navigation and shared interests, and contributing to the security and stability of the region and the international community, in accordance with the coalition charter, its reference documents, and the provisions of international law. (End) F.N. / F.A.S.
