Saudi Defense: 15 countries sign joint statement on establishing the defensive maritime coalition
The Saudi Ministry of Defense stated that the number of countries that have signed the joint statement establishing the Maritime Defense Coalition has reached 15, while 13 countries have completed their national procedures, signed the coalition charter, and officially announced their accession. This marks the actual launch of the coalition toward the institutional and operational activation phase, while the remaining countries continue to complete their national procedures to join the coalition.
This development occurred during the third planning meeting of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition (MMDCC), held at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah, with representatives from 39 friendly and sister countries participating, in a key step toward activating the coalition.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense noted that 15 countries have signed the joint statement, while 13 have completed their national procedures, signed the coalition charter, and officially announced their accession, representing the coalition’s actual launch toward institutional and operational activation, as the remaining countries continue to finalize their national procedures to join.
It was noted that this development coincides with rapid progress in completing the coalition’s institutional building blocks, including the appointment of a commander for the coalition from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, agreement that the deputy commander for the first term will be from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, determination of the headquarters designated for coalition command, and approval of its logo. Additionally, necessary organizational, planning frameworks, and reference guides have been finalized to commence its operations.
The third planning meeting also 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 integrating them into the joint command and staff structure, the Joint Maritime Operations and Coordination Center, and the coalition intelligence center. These steps aim to accelerate the development of its operational capabilities and enhance its readiness to carry out its defensive missions within its area of responsibility.
With many countries completing their national procedures and the coalition’s bodies and command beginning to activate, the coalition is entering a new phase of joint work. Efforts are shifting from building frameworks and structures to activating them and integrating the capabilities of member states, with the aim of 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 international law.
